by P. F. Ford
‘That’s a bit sudden,’ said Slater.
‘Yes, well, you know how it is. Orders are orders. Come on, Wesley.’
Chapter 16
Slater and Norman watched as Robbins and Wesley climbed into their car and drove off. ‘That was a weird way to end an interview,’ said Slater. ‘D’you think they got called to something more important, or they just got called off?’
‘Robbins looked pretty miffed,’ said Norman. ‘And wouldn’t the control room be the ones calling for them to go to another job?’
‘You think they were called off?’
‘Can’t say for sure, but that’s how it looked to me.’
‘Yeah, but why?’
Norman shook his head. ‘I have no idea, but I’m beginning to think your friend Watson must have something to do with this.’
‘Watson? You think so?’
‘If she is some kind of spook and Robbins is getting too close to what actually happened, maybe someone up high has decided it’s time to call a halt before it gets embarrassing for them.’
Slater stared at Norman. ‘Do you think she really is?’
‘Look, if what Robbins says is true and she was on that flight as Samantha Brearley and then suddenly doesn’t exist, it’s the only explanation.’ Norman took in the look on Slater’s face. ‘Look, I know you don’t want to admit it, but it’s the only thing that makes sense. I know you were worried she might have been a victim herself, and that would explain why no one could find her, but it wouldn’t explain how her identity has been wiped away, would it?’
Slater sunk his head into his hands. ‘I feel such a bloody fool.’
‘If it’s any consolation, I don’t think she set out to mislead you, but what choice did she have? If Bradshaw appointed you, she would have had no way of knowing if she could trust you. Maybe whoever she works for told her to keep her distance.’
‘But she didn’t, though, did she? We shared a bed in Thailand!’
‘Didn’t you enjoy those ten nights?’
‘Well, yeah, I did as it happens.’
‘Instead of feeling used, why don’t you accept it for what it was? If I’d spent the best part of two weeks in the sun with a woman like that, I think I’d be feeling pretty grateful!’
Slater let out a strangled cough.
‘Okay, look, that’s not exactly what I meant,’ said Norman. ‘Obviously she wouldn’t want to spend ten nights with an old fart like me. Jeez, I’d probably have another heart attack! I just think you shouldn’t make it into something it isn’t. I don’t know her well, but even so, I’m pretty sure she likes you and has a lot of time for you. What you have to think about is – how could she have told you she wasn’t who you thought she was after all this time?’
Slater thought about this. It was something he hadn’t considered. ‘I suppose it would be difficult.’
‘Difficult? If I’m right about her, it’s her job to be someone she isn’t. Can you imagine yourself in that position? It must be impossible to play two people at once, so maybe she stays in character all the time, as some actors do.’
‘I suppose you’ve got a point.’
‘I should think it makes it almost impossible to have a proper relationship with anyone.’
‘Yeah, but she didn’t have to lead me on,’ Slater said miserably.
‘I don’t think she meant to. If it was the other way around, wouldn’t you have still found her attractive?’
‘Well, yeah.’
‘And that’s what I think happened. Didn’t you tell me it was a case of two consenting adults who fancied spending some time together in the sun? No strings attached.’
‘I suppose when you put it like that, I can’t really complain, but I still feel like an idiot.’
Norman shrugged. ‘Okay, so, feel like a lucky idiot.’
Slater couldn’t think of an answer to that, so he changed the subject. ‘What do you think about my car getting caught on ANPR driving into Winchester?’
‘We don’t know it was your car. Maybe it’s a car that looks like yours. Anyway, if it’s the one that blew up, it had to get into that car park somehow.’
‘It’s unusual for the number plates not to show up, though. That’s the whole point of these cameras, isn’t it?’
‘Maybe someone put some sort of reflective tape over them to disguise them.’
Slater considered this. ‘Yeah, but why drive it there in the first place? If Lenkov was after me, he had my address, so why plant a bomb under the car and then take it to Winchester? It makes no sense.’
‘I think you got it right last night and they’ve got this whole thing wrong,’ said Norman. ‘I mean, if you were going to plant a car bomb, you’d make sure the person you were trying to kill was going to be the one to detonate it, right?’
‘Exactly. That theory only works if I drive into Winchester and Lenkov follows me, watches me park and walk off, and then plants the bomb before I get back. Then, when I switch the ignition on, boom!’
‘Or he detonates it remotely,’ said Norman. ‘Either way, you have to be there.’ A frown slowly creased his face. ‘But then it would be the same if Watson was the target, wouldn’t it?’
‘Perhaps he stole the car and was planning to tip me off with an anonymous phone call.’
‘But if that’s the case, why not leave the car in Tinton? Why Winchester?’ asked Norman. ‘And if he’s after Watson and he stole it in London, why drive all the way down here? Now I’m not sure it makes sense either way.’
‘And another thing. If he stole it, why did she insist it was still where she left it?’ asked Slater. ‘Why not tell me? She knows I’m not going to make a big deal out of it. Cars get stolen, that’s why we have insurance.’
They were silent for a couple of minutes while they thought things over. It was Slater who broke the silence. ‘So, we’re agreed the police have got it wrong.’
‘We are.’
‘Are we also agreed that we haven’t got a better idea?’
‘We are.’
‘Are you getting a headache thinking about this?’
‘I am. I suggest we knock off, go home, and think about something else.’
‘That sounds like a plan,’ said Slater. ‘Tomorrow is another day, right?’
‘Ah, yeah, about that.’ Norman turned faintly pink. ‘I’m not going to be around much this weekend. I promised Jane I’d take her and the kids out somewhere.’
Slater smiled. ‘That’s okay. What time are you heading off?’
‘Well, actually, I was thinking of heading off about now. If I’m quick, I can get there in time to see the kids before they go to bed.’
Chapter 17
Left to his own devices, Slater had worried about Watson all night. Suppose she was the target; did that mean she was safe now Lenkov was dead, or would someone else come after her? Either way, he had come to the conclusion he had to speak to her, and if she wouldn’t answer his phone calls, he figured maybe there was another way.
It was just before 10 a.m. when he finally reached his destination. He asked the taxi driver to wait and agreed to meet him at a nearby cafe, then he walked up to the front door to her flat. He rang the bell, readying his best smile, but when the door opened, his smile disappeared. The woman standing before him looked a bit like Watson, but her hair was darker, and she wasn’t quite as tall.
‘Yes? Can I help you?’ she asked.
His mouth flapped wordlessly once or twice. He had been sure this was the right flat. ‘I’m sorry, I think I must have the wrong address. I was looking for Sam Brearley.’
The woman frowned and studied him suspiciously for a few seconds as if she hadn’t heard him correctly. ‘Who?’
‘Samantha Brearley.’
She still looked puzzled, but then she suddenly seemed to understand what he had said. ‘Oh, yes, of course, Sam. Was she expecting you?’
‘Er, no. I’ve been trying to reach her all week, but all I get is her voicemail. I was
starting to get a bit worried about her, so I thought I’d better come and see if she was okay.’
She continued to study him as if she was making her mind up about something. ‘She won’t be happy about this, you know. She doesn’t like people checking up on her.’
Slater felt his cheeks begin to redden. ‘I’m not checking up on her. I’m a friend, and I was worried about her.’
‘She won’t like that either. She’s quite capable of looking after herself.’
‘I used to work with her, so I know how capable she is. I was concerned, that’s all.’
‘Hang on a minute. Was she in Thailand with you?’
‘That’s right, yes.’
‘And you let her take your car?’
‘Yes.’
At last, her face broke into a familiar smile. ‘You must be Dave,’ she said. ‘I’m Sam’s sister, Mel.’
‘So, does that mean I have got the right address?’
‘In a manner of speaking.’
Slater frowned. He wasn’t quite sure what she meant by that, but before he could ask, she spoke again. ‘She didn’t tell you, then?’
‘Tell me what?’
‘You’d better come in. I think I probably need to explain.’
She stepped back to let him in.
‘Need to explain what?’ he asked as he made his way past her into the flat.
‘I’m afraid my sister’s a lovely girl, but she’s not very good at relationships,’ she said as she led him through to the living room.
‘Yes, well, it’s not exactly my superpower,’ confessed Slater.
A small blonde girl Slater guessed must be about seven years old was watching a cartoon on the TV. She turned her head as he came into the room. ‘Who’s he?’
‘This is Dave.’
‘Hello Dave, how are you?’ asked the girl.
‘Hi. I’m very well, thank you. What’s your name?’
‘I’m Trudy.’
‘That’s a nice name.’
‘Why, thank you,’ said the girl, and beamed a big gap-toothed smile at him.
‘Right, young lady,’ Mel said to the girl. ‘I’m going to make Dave a cup of tea, but in fifteen minutes I want to see you out of those pyjamas, teeth cleaned, ready to go to karate class. Okay?’
‘Okay.’ Trudy turned off the TV and set off upstairs to get ready.
‘She’s cute,’ said Slater as he followed Mel into the kitchen.
‘Yeah, she’s a little angel really,’ said Mel.
‘Is she yours?’
‘Sam and I sort of share her.’
Slater looked confused.
‘We had another sister, Suzie, but we lost her three years ago. Trudy was her daughter. Sam and I vowed we’d look after her when her mum died. It was difficult at first, but we’ve got it figured out now.’
‘What happened to Suzie?’
‘She was a detective sergeant in the police. She was killed by a car bomb.’
‘Bloody hell,’ whispered Slater. ‘We all know it could happen, but when it does ... Jesus. I had no idea. Sam never mentioned it.’
‘No, she wouldn’t.’
‘When she told me she had a daughter, I assumed—’
‘Oh no, she’s never had any kids of her own. Trudy’s adopted.’
‘I got that completely wrong then,’ said Slater. ‘I had no idea.’
She gave him a wistful smile. ‘Don’t worry. You thought what she wanted you to think.’
‘I’m sorry?’
‘She told it the way she did to put you off. She likes you, but the last thing she wants is a serious relationship. She knows from experience that you tell most blokes you’ve got a daughter and they’re off like a shot.’
Slater would have been quite happy if the ground had opened up and swallowed him right there and then. ‘Well, I can’t deny I was a bit surprised,’ he conceded.
‘Shock, horror,’ said Mel. ‘That’s what you’re supposed to feel.’
‘But I worked with her for months. Why didn’t she tell me before?’
‘Like I said, she doesn’t want to get involved with anyone right now. All she wants to do is find out who killed her sister.’
‘You mean no one was convicted?’
‘No one was even questioned. It seemed to be completely random, as if Suzie was some guinea pig and someone did it just to see if they could.’
All the time Mel had been speaking, she had kept an eye on the door, and now she made a face at Slater as Trudy came bouncing back down the stairs and ran across to the kitchen.
‘Let me see those pearly whites,’ said Mel.
Trudy obediently opened wide, and Mel carried out a thorough inspection. ‘Oh, my, they’re so bright I’m almost blinded,’ she announced. ‘Have you got your kit ready?’
‘It’s all in the bag ready to go.’
‘Good girl. Now, do I get a hug and a kiss?’
She got down on her knees, so Trudy could place her arms around her neck. They exchanged a big hug and a kiss. ‘Can you watch a bit more TV while I finish talking to Dave?’
‘Okay.’
As the small girl made her way back to her TV cartoon, Slater fought to control the lump that seemed to be trying to fill his throat. ‘I came here once before,’ he said, ‘but you and Trudy weren’t here.’
‘We have a chalet down on the coast. We spend a lot of time there.’
‘It must be difficult with Sam being away so much.’
‘I’m always here. We decided I would work part-time so Sam could work at finding who killed our sister. It’s our way of sharing the load. When she’s home for a couple of weeks, I get my “me” time.’
She made a point of looking at her watch. ‘We have to go. I’ve got to get Trudy to her karate class.’ She started tidying things away.
‘Right. Of course,’ said Slater. ‘D’you know where Sam is right now or what she’s doing? As I said, I’ve been trying to reach her.’
‘I don’t ask,’ said Mel. ‘What I don’t know about, I don’t worry about.’
‘Does she keep in touch?’
‘As often as she can.’
‘Can you pass on a message? Can you tell her I called and ask her to call me? I wouldn’t ask, but it’s essential.’
‘If she calls, I’ll tell her, but I warn you – she won’t be happy you’ve been here.’
‘Tell her if she answered her phone I wouldn’t have had to come here.’
Mel had slipped a jacket on now, and she jingled her car keys. Slater knew a hint when he saw one.
‘I’ll get out of your way,’ he said, as he made his way towards the front door. ‘Thanks for the tea.’
‘Trudy, say goodbye to Dave.’
Trudy turned to Slater. ‘Goodbye, Dave. It was nice meeting you.’
‘Goodbye, Trudy.’
Chapter 18
It was 8.30 a.m. on Sunday morning, and Slater’s mobile phone was ringing. Bleary-eyed, he dragged himself from sleep.
‘Is that Mr Slater?’
‘It is.’
‘This is PC Weston from Tinton Police Station.’
‘What can I do for you Weston? You know I don’t work for the police any more, don’t you?’
‘Yes, sir. I do know. I just thought you’d like to know we’ve found your car.’
Slater thought he must have got that wrong. ‘You’ve what?’
‘Found your car, sir. I understood it was reported missing.’
Slater was waking up far more rapidly than he had intended this morning. ‘It was? I mean, yes, it was. Where is it?’
‘It’s down at Tinton Railway Station, in the car park.’
‘Is it still in one piece?’
‘If you mean has it been jacked up and the wheels removed, I’m happy to report no, it hasn’t. It looks to be in perfectly good condition, but I think it may have been here for some days – there are several parking tickets plastered to the windscreen.’
‘Are you going to tow it
away? Where will it be? When can I collect it?’
‘Between you and me, sir, it would make life much easier for us if you just come and collect it from here. You have a spare key, I assume?’
‘Yes, I’ve got a spare. And you’re sure the car’s okay?’
‘It looks fine to me, but if anything is missing or damaged you can, of course, report it, and we’ll look into it.’
Slater knew very well that car crime was way down the list of priorities for a hard-pressed officer, so he wasn’t surprised by the offer. ‘I’m going to have to walk down there to get it, and I’m still in bed, so I’ll be about an hour.’
‘That’s okay, sir, I wasn’t planning on waiting.’
‘No, don’t,’ said Slater. ‘I’m sure you’ve got plenty to do without playing nursemaid to my car. Thanks for letting me know.’
Slater ended the call, climbed from bed, and made his way to the bathroom. What the hell was his car doing in Tinton? And could it really be in perfect condition? This situation was getting weirder by the day.
* * *
Twenty minutes later and he had showered, dressed, and was ready to go. Then his doorbell rang. Muttering under his breath about people ringing his bell at this ungodly hour on a Sunday, he opened the door.
‘Bloody hell,’ he said. ‘Just when I thought my day couldn’t have started any more weirdly.’
‘And good morning to you,’ said DI Stella Robbins.
Slater looked over her shoulder, but there was no Wesley. ‘Are you on your own?’
‘On my own,’ she said.
‘Then I suppose you’d better come in.’ He stepped back to allow her through the door. ‘I take it this is about the case?’ he said, following her inside.
‘Well, it’s funny you should say that,’ said Robbins. ‘Only there is no case.’
‘What?’
‘Remember I took a call when I was with you on Friday? I’ve been ordered to close my investigation and hand over all my evidence. Even the wrecked car has gone.’
‘Taken away by whom?’
‘Officially I don’t know, but I can make a pretty good guess.’
‘So that’s what that phone call was. We thought you left rather abruptly.’