Dead Secret

by Noelle Holten

  Chapter Forty-Four

  There was a buzz in the main MOCD office when Maggie arrived. Kat and Nathan were standing around Bethany’s desk and they looked like they were watching a video. Maggie dropped her bag and immediately joined the group.

  ‘What am I missing?’ She squeezed in between Nathan and Kat.

  ‘Bethany thinks they found Sophia Hastings’s car on CCTV.’ Kat was jumping from foot to foot – Maggie thought she was either really excited or she needed the loo.

  Maggie squinted to see if she could identify the passengers in the car. ‘Pretty dark. Is that two or three people in the car?’

  Bethany turned and looked up at Maggie. ‘I wish the government would invest in the cameras they have. The quality is pretty shit. There are definitely two people in the car – possible a third – just like before. See that shadow in the passenger side back seat? To me, it looks like DCI Hastings is driving, but I can’t be sure. That’s why I called them over.’

  ‘You’re right. It does look like Hastings. Where are they heading?’ Maggie looked at the street sign but could only make out the last few letters, which was no help.

  ‘ANPR and CCTV track the car as far as Compton Lane, but that’s where we lose it. There are quite a few back roads out that way, some going out of Staffordshire, but if they left the area, the car would have been picked up on the cameras there. Looks like the vehicle is still in the county, but who knows where.’ Bethany shrugged.

  ‘Great work, Bethany – I know you’ve spent hours on these recordings. I’ll let DI Rutherford know and we’ll liaise with the Road Policing Units and field team to see if they have any spare bodies and ask that they keep their eyes peeled. Can you ping me over the make, model, and year of the car and I’ll make sure to pass it on? Maggie, can you chase up those curfew violations with Probation – what’s taking them so long?’ Nathan called over his shoulder as he jogged back to his office.

  ‘Will do.’ Maggie returned to her desk, booted up her computer and while she waited for the machine to get going, dialled Probation.

  ‘Markston Probation. How can I help you?’

  ‘It’s DC Maggie Jamieson from Stafford Police. Any chance Sarah Hardy is free?’

  ‘I’ll just check for you. Hold the line.’

  Maggie drummed her fingers on the desk as she listened to the music down the other end of the phone. A moment later Sarah answered.

  ‘Sarah speaking.’

  ‘Hi! It’s Maggie. I’ve been tasked with following up on Craig Nolan’s curfew violations. Any updates?’

  ‘Let me check – I haven’t had a moment to go through my emails.’

  Maggie waited while Sarah clicked her way through the emails. When Sarah came back on the line, her voice told Maggie that it was not promising.

  ‘Sorry. Nothing back yet. I have contacted them again, explaining the urgency, but I’m afraid they can take ages to respond.’

  ‘Would it help if I contact them do you think?’

  ‘No offence, Maggie – but it wouldn’t make a difference. However, if you want to have a crack at it, I’ll forward you the details. They may ask for more information before they share details with you, so I’m happy for you to let them know you are working with me and the possibility of recall due to breach matters. That way, you won’t need to go into specifics about the offence. I can deal with all that should we proceed to recall.’

  ‘You’re a star, Sarah. I’ll get onto that. Has there been anything else of interest? Is Craig still attending his appointments?’

  ‘He is. The only other interesting thing is that he mentioned in a recent call that he’s heard that it was a rival gang member who planted the evidence that got him convicted. It’s still being investigated through the Guns and Gangs Unit. Apparently, someone grassed in exchanged for lesser charges. I can’t believe he was actually right about being set up – I thought he was just bullshitting! He’s still angry at Hastings but he’s speaking to a solicitor now about what action he can take. Thinks he’s going to get a huge payout if his conviction is overturned.’

  ‘Wow! That’s some news and he’s not wrong. I’ve heard of massive compensation payouts for things that aren’t even as serious. I’ll let you know if I get anywhere with the curfew.’

  They ended the call, and Maggie immediately started to write an email out to the tagging company. Craig Nolan shouldn’t get his hopes up about that compensation if they can prove that he was out during the times the murders were committed, and Maggie didn’t envy the person who had to tell him that. He wasn’t off the hook that easy.

  Chapter Forty-Five

  Maggie was exhausted after spending the day arguing with the tagging company for any information on curfew violations for Craig Nolan. They just wouldn’t play ball and didn’t take too kindly to Maggie getting Nathan involved. She hated days where she was stuck on her computer, but it was a necessary evil. She left work wanting to spend the evening on her couch, flicking through the TV or reading a book. Anything that would take her brain away from the case for a short while, but she was her own worst enemy and knew she’d probably end up thinking about the case regardless.

  A knock at her door stopped her from feeding the cats. ‘Sorry, guys. Let me get rid of whoever that is and then I’ll sort out your dinner.’ Scrappy let out an anguished meow and Maggie laughed at his dramatics as she headed down the hall towards the front door.

  When she opened the door, she rolled her eyes. Julie Noble stood with a bottle of rosé in one hand and from the smell that danced up Maggie’s nostrils, an Indian takeaway in the other.

  ‘Wondered if you’d like to help me with these?’ Julie held up the items in her hands.

  ‘Haven’t you heard of calling? How did you even know I would be home?’ Maggie stood firm in the doorway. She didn’t know whether she was annoyed or curious at the spontaneous visit, but still thought it was pretty cheeky of the journalist to just show up.

  ‘I called your office and was told you left about an hour ago. I did the maths and guessed you’d be home by now. This food is getting cold and I’m starving – are you going to let me in or what?’

  Maggie shrugged her shoulders and stepped aside to let Julie in.

  ‘You adding stalker to your CV?’ She knew that even if she had closed the door in her face, Julie would have stood there – she wasn’t one to take no for an answer. ‘The kitchen is straight ahead. I need to feed the cats first, then we can eat. And thanks – I hadn’t even thought about what I would make for myself, it smells good.’

  Maggie followed Julie into the kitchen and grabbed some cat food before the felines went into attack mode. Scrappy rubbed up against Julie’s leg and Maggie laughed as Julie jumped back.

  ‘Not an animal person then? That doesn’t bode well.’ She placed the bowls of food on the floor.

  ‘I don’t actually mind animals, but they usually don’t like me. I thought that orange one may be getting ready to scratch me, and I wasn’t about to give him the chance.’

  ‘He’s only interested in that.’ Maggie pointed at the takeaway bag. ‘You interrupted me feeding them – you’re lucky you didn’t get a scratch. Why don’t you take those through to the dining room and I’ll bring through everything when I’m finished here?’ Maggie pointed through the doorway. She watched Julie and felt her face flush as Julie looked back and smiled.

  ‘Nice view, eh?’ Julie gave a wiggle.

  Maggie ignored her and unlocked the cat flap for Scrappy. Once he had finished, he jumped through and Maggie locked it behind him. Salem would be a little while longer and then saunter up to the spare bedroom, which he had taken over since Kate had left.

  She grabbed some plates, cutlery, and wine glasses and joined Julie in the dining room. Julie had been eyeing Maggie’s desk and shelves in her office area. She put down the picture of Maggie’s parents.

  ‘So why are you really here? Not to borrow a book, I take it.’ When Julie turned around to face her, Maggie handed he
r the plates and opened the wine, pouring each of them a generous glass before sitting down across from Julie.

  ‘Can’t a friend just pop round to chat?’ Julie plated up the naan bread, rice, and chicken balti and passed it back to Maggie.

  ‘Well, if we were close friends, I’d say of course, but we’re not exactly BFFs, are we?’ Maggie took a sip of wine.

  ‘Fine. Shall we just cut the bullshit then? I’m not one to faff about and we’ve been doing this little to and fro for far longer than I usually allow. I fancy you, okay. I’m pretty sure that despite your snarky comments and the huge wall you manage to put up whenever I’m in the room, that you fancy me too. That’s not conceit either. I did just catch you checking me out five minutes ago. So here I am. We’ve had some enjoyable evenings and I’m hoping for some more. Is that a crime?’

  Maggie nearly choked on the forkful of food she had just shovelled in her mouth. She coughed and took a sip of her wine. She didn’t know how to respond to that. ‘Erm. Okay. What more do you want to know?’ She shifted the balti around on her plate, unable to look Julie in the eye.

  ‘Maybe we can go a bit deeper than the weather? I know a bit about your family, but how do they feel about you being bisexual? Do you have any interesting hobbies or is your life all work? Do you want to kiss me as much as I want to kiss you?’ Julie raised a brow.

  ‘Christ. You don’t beat around the bush, do you?’

  ‘I’m too old for games, Maggie. If I’m interested in someone, I flirt a bit, gauge the response, and then lay all my cards on the table. I spent a long time living a lie. Life is too short to waste dancing around and creating issues when there needn’t be any.’

  Maggie toyed with a lock of hair. Julie had a point; she’d done enough dancing around people to last a lifetime. ‘Fair enough. My father is not very comfortable with same-sex relationships. I’ve not come out to either of my parents, as I guess … I don’t want to disappoint them. My brother knows, Nathan knows, and Kate knows, and I am sure some of my colleagues suspect. When my folks, or anyone for that matter, ask me when I’ll be getting married or having children, I avoid the subject.’ Maggie was waiting for Julie’s head shake but instead, her mobile pinged.

  Saved by the bell.

  She took it out of her pocket and read the message. ‘My brother. He’s out tonight and will be staying at a friend’s, so I don’t need to worry about saving him any dinner. Good thing I didn’t bother then.’ Maggie saw the smile creep across Julie’s face but carried on.

  ‘I’m a little embarrassed to say that outside of work, I don’t have many hobbies. I like reading, going to the movies, hiking now and again … Fuck, I sound like one of those lame dating adverts.’ Maggie blushed. Why did she always feel like a teenager when it came to dating? She could kick herself.

  Julie laughed. ‘No, you don’t. Are both your parents Scottish? I’ve always wanted to go there. Never had the opportunity yet.’

  Maggie shifted in her seat. ‘My dad is Scottish. My mother’s Irish. Andy and I were born in Staffordshire though – my parents ended up here when they got married. So, what about you?’ Maggie scooped up another forkful of food so she wouldn’t have to speak about herself some more. It was easier for her to hear about others than it was to open up about herself. She’d always been that way.

  ‘What you see is what you get really. I hate exercise. I also like going to the movies, but no sappy shit – action thrillers or a good slasher movie are my thing. I’ve been single for far too long to remember – work has been my mistress as they say.’ She took a sip of wine.

  ‘What about relationships?’

  Maggie thought she saw Julie’s eyes glisten.

  Has something upset her?

  Maggie felt the heat rise up her neck.

  ‘Not for a while.’

  She looked at Julie’s plate. ‘You finished? I’ll clear these up.’ Maggie stood and took the plates into the kitchen. She rinsed the dishes and placed them in the dishwasher.

  Why do I feel so awkward?

  This was new territory for Maggie. She had experimented with women in her younger years, but all her relationships had been with men. She was stalling for time.

  Biscuits. I’ll put out some biscuits.

  Maggie opened the cupboard and took out the chocolate Hobnobs she had been saving. She put a few on a plate and headed back to the dining room. Julie was gone.

  ‘In here. I thought we’d be more comfortable on the couch. I hope that’s okay?’ Julie patted the seat beside her.

  ‘Of course.’ Maggie walked through to the living room and placed the biscuits on the table. ‘In case you wanted something to nibble on.’ She sat in the chair opposite Julie.

  ‘I can think of something I’d much prefer to nibble on, but we’ll play things your way. You can sit beside me, you know; I won’t bite … Unless you want me to, of course.’ Julie crossed her legs.

  ‘Does everything have to be an innuendo with you? No wonder you’ve been single for a few years,’ Maggie snapped and immediately regretted it when she saw Julie’s shoulders tense. ‘Sorry. That was out of order. Do you want to watch a film or something?’

  Julie looked at her watch. ‘Okay.’

  ‘Do you need to be somewhere else?’

  ‘No. I was just trying to see how late it would be when the movie finished. It’s a school night for you after all. What do you want to watch?’

  Maggie turned on the TV and put Netflix on. She stood and handed the remote to Julie. ‘You choose. I’m just going to let Scrappy back in.’ Maggie went to the back door and called out for Scrappy. Five minutes later he appeared from the bushes and sauntered into the house. Ignoring Maggie, he licked his paws and then trotted upstairs.

  When she returned to the living room, Julie once again patted the couch. ‘Please. I promise to behave.’

  Maggie relented and sat beside Julie. As they watched the film, she gave her sideways glances. Even in her casual clothes, Julie looked gorgeous. Maggie hated to admit that they were probably more alike than she cared for. They drank wine and watched the film, laughing and enjoying each other’s company. The film had ended, and Julie turned to her. The wine made Maggie feel a little more courageous and she leaned forwards. Julie had been right earlier – Maggie did want to kiss her.

  ‘Whoa. Slow down.’ Julie moved back and held a hand up.

  ‘Oh God. I’m sorry. I thought this is what we both wanted?’ Maggie rubbed the back of her neck, feeling the heat and hoping her embarrassment was not written all over her face.

  ‘I do. But can I just put my wine down, that way I can do this …’ Julie reached across and cupped Maggie’s face. She looked into her eyes before leaning forwards and brushing her lips against Maggie’s. They kissed passionately – tongues probing and hands exploring.

  ‘You’re shaking.’ Julie stopped and looked in her eyes. ‘Are you okay?’

  Maggie nodded and stood. Something clicked right after she kissed Julie. She reached over and, holding out her hand, she led Julie to the front door.

  ‘Well, I wasn’t expecting that.’

  ‘I know. I’m sorry – I just realized that right now is not the time to be starting something. It’s not fair on you and I know I wouldn’t be able to give you my full attention, but I’d still like to remain friends. Maybe sometime in the future if you’re still single and interested, we can pursue something more … but now is not the time.’

  Julie stroked Maggie’s cheek. ‘Okay. But don’t wait too long. It may be too late.’ And with that she walked out the door.

  Maggie stood in the hall for a few minutes. The realization of what just happened sinking in. The funny thing was, as soon as Maggie and Julie kissed, it was like a spark went off. But not a romantic spark, that was there, of course, but it was at that moment that Maggie realized she didn’t mind being on her own. She wasn’t in the right place for a relationship, and it actually had nothing to do with her choice of partner. She also realized that s
he’d have to make some more time just to do normal things – coming home and working of an evening all the time wasn’t healthy.

  Maggie yawned. She tidied up before heading to bed and, despite feeling comfortable with her decision, she couldn’t help but wonder if she had made a mistake.

  Chapter Forty-Six

  Maggie rolled over and reached across the bed. All she felt was an empty space and when she opened her eyes, she once again queried whether she was relieved or upset that she had let Julie leave last night. There were so many reasons that a relationship wouldn’t work with the reporter but none that couldn’t be talked about and worked around. Julie and Maggie were like chalk and cheese most times, but also quite similar. Maggie enjoyed their banter even when it annoyed her.

  What have I done?

  Had she made a mistake?

  Reflecting on the evening before, she had wanted the kiss to happen; in fact, she smiled when she realized she had been the one to initiate it, so she had no regrets. Confusion washed over her. Fucksakes, Maggie. Pull up your big girl pants – the case has to come first. Of course the case had to come first.

  She flopped over the other way and felt around for her phone. Her alarm was set for 6am and it was only 5:30. She returned to her thoughts about the evening before and smiled. Despite the way it ended, it was just what she needed, and they did leave it on good terms. Julie seemed fine when she left. When she was ready for something more, at least she now had paved the way …

  Then she remembered why her alarm was set.

  The press conference.

  Maggie tensed. What if Julie wasn’t discreet? The last thing she needed was to have her personal life talked about in the office. When she sat up, there was a dull throb in her head. She groaned and threw the blankets off her legs.

  Maggie glanced around the room. Where was Scrappy? She looked at the door and noticed it was closed. She must have shut it behind her when she came up to bed. The cats would not be happy.