“Completely out of the blue. We'd just returned from a conference dinner.”?
“Had he been drinking?”
“We'd both had a couple of glasses of wine, but nothing more than that.”
“What did you do?”
“I hit him. Hard on both shoulders. I think I slapped his face.”
“What did he do then?”
“He told me I wanted it. That he could tell I'd been coming onto him for weeks. I told him I just wanted to go to bed. Alone.”?
“What happened then?”
“He calmed down, asked if I would make him a coffee.”
“And did you?”
“I did. With hindsight, I realised I shouldn't have. I just thought he'd had a moment of madness, fuelled by the wine.”?
“So you took him into your room.” The question was not delivered in a judgemental way.
“I did.”
“What happened next?”
“We began drinking coffee, sitting on the bed.”
“On the bed?”
“There was nowhere else to sit.” Karen shrugged. “Like I said, I thought his moment of madness was over.”?
“Are you telling us it wasn't?”
“Within a few minutes, he'd started again – wandering hands, trying to kiss me.”
“Did he use force?”
“He pushed me down onto the bed and held my wrists above my head.”
“And then?”
“I pushed him back and screamed. We were in a hotel. There were guests next door. He got up. He was breathing heavily. He left. He just left at that point.”?
“So, you filed a complaint the next day?”
“Well, it was a couple of months later that I actually made the complaint.”?
“Why the delay, Mrs Jones?”
“I kept mulling it over. Wondering if I'd led him on in any way.”
“Why did the tribunal not find in your favour?”
“Like I said earlier, he's got friends in high places. Rich friends. All in cahoots with that masons business.”?
“Are you saying that you think the masons helped to get him off?”
“I know they did.”
“Did you know any? Were there any you suspected of helping him at the time?”
“There were a few. Including one that was later charged with insider trading. They had a lot of hushed meetings around that revelation.”?
“Mrs Jones, if we need to, may we speak to you again?”
“Of course, Inspector. I'm more than happy to help the police.”
“Thank you. You've been very helpful.”
As they left the hospital, Yvonne turned to her DS. “Dewi, what did you make of her?”
“Seemed genuine enough, ma'am. She felt she was never going to get justice, so she didn't push for a prosecution.”?
“And we now have Darryl Williams attempting to use force on a young woman . His employee. Not only that, but this demonstrates him pre-planning the attack by taking her away to a conference.”?
“Could have been the start of a sex-offending career.”
“Absolutely. She was a good find, Dewi. Good job.”
“Thank you, ma'am.”
“Did you get the protection organised for the Machynlleth family?”
“I did ma'am. Aber are covering it, and Callum will be checking in with them on a regular basis.”
“Okay, good. Let me know the minute there are any developments.”
“Will do.”
Callum was waiting for them when they got back. “Ma'am, we have CCTV footage that we believe is from the campus attacker.”?
“Thank goodness. Can I take a look?”
“Setting it up now, ma'am. Don't get too excited though,” the DC warned, “Aber have already told us it's very grainy and the perp was wearing a hat.”
He wasn't wrong. Excitement turned to disappointment when they saw the state of the footage. The unsub was in the right place at the right time to be their perp but, try as they might, they just couldn't get a decent image of the face.
“Alright, get the footage to forensics and see what they can do with it. We should at least be able to get an approximate height and build of the suspect.”? Yvonne was already leaving her seat. “Tell them it's urgent.”
“Howsgoin? Goanfillmeyin?” Tasha had a mug of coffee in each hand and was therefore forced to have the pack of biscuits gripped between her teeth,
Yvonne laughed at the garbled questions, taking the pack of biscuits from the psychologist's mouth. “I think I know what you just said to me.”
“Sorry, need more hands.” Tasha smiled.
The DI filled her in as regards the protection assignment, the tail on Darryl Williams, and the interview with Karen Jones.
“So, you've firmed up on Darryl as your main suspect?”
“Certainly have. Will you come in on the interview when we pull him in?”
“I wouldn't miss it.”
Tonight was the night. Everything, from his watch to his shoes, had to be just so. He checked his Rolex again: Seven-thirty. He chose a pale-blue, rich-cotton shirt and a pair of semi-casual but expensive chinos. A dark-blue blazer finished the look.
After his shower, he had sparsely dotted his sandalwood cologne. He breathed deeply, taking a couple of seconds before letting the air slowly back out. He could feel his heart-rate slow, could feel the sweat on the small of his back.
“Want a digestive?”
“No, thanks. I'm all digestived out.” DC Callum Jones had been sitting in the unmarked car for several hours with the Aberystwyth PC, Pete Long. It followed on from several lots of all-night vigils. In that time, he had gotten to know the man well : what he had for breakfast, his hobbies, the problems he'd been having with his car, and his plans for the weekend.
On top of this, the DC had eaten his way through the best part of a packet of custard creams and two bars of chocolate. The latter, he wasn't at all happy about. Now, the two men sat in bored silence.
Darryl Williams had gotten home early: four-thirty in the afternoon. That had meant they had started their vigil much earlier than usual. Uniform had given them the heads up just before five. It was now seven-thirty. It had been drizzling with rain for an hour, though it was still very warm. Every now and then Pete would flick the windscreen wipers, to clear their view of the house. Once or twice this made the dozing Callum, jump.
Pete had turned on the radio a couple of times, quickly turning it off when he saw the frown on the DC's face. Callum found it too much of a distraction.
“What d'you think he's doing in there?” Pete leaned right back in his seat, his legs splayed. With one hand, he was undoing the top button on his collar, to stop his neck chafing.
“Well, knowing our luck, probably watching TV or drinking bourbon.” Callum sighed. He felt sticky and dirty after nearly four hours cooped up in the car.
“What would you be doing tonight, it we weren't here?”
“Seeing the girlfriend. She's not happy at the moment. Says she gets to see less and less of me.”
“That true?”
“Yeah. Yeah, it is. Our DI's got a bee in her bonnet over this one.”
“Think she's barking up the wrong tree?”
“Dunno. Yeah, Maybe.” Callum regretted saying it, the moment the words left his mouth. Too late. He'd said it now. He eyed the PC, wondering of his doubts would be all around the Aberystwyth station, this time tomorrow.
He packed the essential items into his fold-over satchel: brand new atomiser, overshoes, two pairs of gloves and rags. He took a final look in the mirror. He was ready.
The meeting was set for eight o'clock, earlier than he would have liked. Still, he could make sure it lasted long enough for the rest of the family to give up and go to bed.
He placed a half-bottle of Laphroaig single malt into his bag, just in case. He breathed deeply again and left the house.
“Bloody hell, there he is.” PC Pete sat up straight, pushing the dozing DC on
the arm. “Wake up, mate. He's left the house.”?
Callum bolted upright, focusing his eyes through the the windscreen drizzle and on the back of Darryl Williams, who was getting into his silver Lexus.
“Get ready,” Callum ordered. “Follow him as soon as he sets off. I'll phone the DI.”
Yvonne fumbled for her mobile. “DI Giles...”
“Ma'am, he's on the move.”
“How's he dressed?”
“Like he's going off somewhere important.”
“Good work, Callum. I'll get things sorted this end. Don't let him out of your sight.”
She raced down the corridor and banged on DCI Llewellyn's door.
He opened it, just as she pushed. He stopped her from falling. “Good God, has somebody died?”
“Sir, can I have an ARV and dog unit on standby. Callum is on the tail of my main suspect, who looks to be on his way to a late night meeting.”?
“Are you heading after them?”
“That's the plan, yes.”
“I'll get the teams on standby. As soon as you know where the suspect is headed, you let me know. And Yvonne?”?
“Sir?”
“Don't do anything rash.”
“No, sir.”
“Keep me informed.”
“Of course, sir.”
“Every development.”
“Sir.”
“Dewi, can you find Tasha and ask her to meet us at the car in five.” Yvonne checked the contents of her bag. “?Make sure we have some spare mobiles.”
“Will do.” Dewi disappeared in search of the psychologist.
The DI's pounding blood whistled in her ears, as she put a hand out onto the bonnet to steady herself. Another family could be at risk tonight. She'd lay money on the fact that Darryl Willams was on his way to Machynlleth. She saw it as her mission to save the family and put this rapist-killer behind bars. She thought of her nephew and niece and this galvanised her, staving off a threatening panic attack. She took a few long breaths and willed her body to stay calm.
Tasha was still trying to get her coat on as she got into the car. Yvonne had to help her out, holding one of the sleeves, whilst Tasha wriggled into it. The psychologist's eyes were shining and her cheeks were as red as her top. The DI felt a pang of self-doubt. What if she had this wrong?
As though sensing Yvonne's reticence, Tasha put a hand on her elbow. “Come on, we've been working hard for this.”?
Yvonne nodded and got in the passenger seat. Dewi drove.
Ten minutes later, and Callum called over the radio. “He's approaching Mach. Approaching Mach, over.”?
“Is he heading for the Williams house? Over.”
“He's taking a left, left, left into...yes. He's on the lane leading to the Williams house.”
“Keep on him. Don't let him disappear. Eyes on him throughout.”
“Understood. Over.”
The DI chewed her thumb, her gut tight; the sound of blood in her ears.
Miles disappeared without his noticing them. He mentally practised his moves and the things he would say. He played the anticipated master-bedroom scene over and over, his trousers tightening. He checked his Rolex. Seven forty-five.
He sped up a little. In his malaise, he'd let his speed slip and was in danger of arriving late. In the event, he arrived at the house five minutes early. She opened the door. He put his satchel in front of his loins. He could smell her scent as she led him to where her husband was waiting. It was with regret, that he watched her slip away to the kitchen.
24
Darryl Williams straightened his tie. “Michael.” He smiled broadly, extending his arm, for the special handshake. He was shown to Michael's study and offered a seat in the Chesterfield. He sat down, but perched forward in the chair. He didn't want to get too comfortable.
“Before we get down to business...” Michael Williams wandered out of the room, returning with a pump-action shotgun. “?What do you think of this beauty?”
Darryl accepted the gun from Michael's outstretched hands. “Wow. Nice. Are you coming to the next shoot?”?
“You betchya.”
Darryl raised the gun, feeling the weight of it. Feeling the butt against his shoulder and putting an eye to the sight.
The noise of the door being hammered out of its jam, reverberated through the house like an explosion. Before he knew what was happening, Darryl's hands were pinned behind his back and he was eating carpet.
“Darryl Williams, I am arresting you on suspicion of attempted murder. You do not have to say...” Callum was out of breath, one knee in the back of the struggling Darryl Williams.
“Michael, Michael, what's going on?” An open-mouthed Mrs Williams was at the study door, a look of horror on her face.
“I don't know...officers?”
Callum, having finished giving the prisoner his rights, had begun hauling him off to the awaiting car. Pete Long talked to Michael and his wife for a few moments, reassuring them but giving little away. They saw him out, still confused.
“Ma'am, we got him. Gun-in-hand. We're on our way to Aberystwyth station. Over.”
“And the Wiliamses?”
“All okay, ma'am.”
“Thank God. Well done, Callum. I'll see you at the station. Don't interview him till we get there.” Yvonne closed her eyes. “?They've got him.” Her forehead creased in a frown.
“What's the matter?” Tasha leaned between Dewi and the DI's seat.
“I just didn't expect it to be that easy.” Yvonne shrugged. “Let's go talk to him.”
The knot of Darryl's tie was halfway down his chest, the top two buttons of his shirt undone. His sleeves were rolled up and his hair unkempt. Yvonne found him repeating to himself, over and over, “?I don't believe it. I don't believe this is happening.”
“Which bit don't you believe, Mr Williams?” The DI kept her tone firm and even.
“Has my solicitor arrived yet?” He looked up at her, he looked older.
“He's on his way.”
“Why am I here?”
“I had hoped you might tell me the answer to that question.”
“Attempted murder? What the hell is that about?”
“Mr Williams, I don't think you should say anymore until your solicitor arrives.”
Yvonne knew they had to get this right and, besides, Tasha and Dewi had to be in place in the obs room. Plus, she wanted Callum, the arresting officer, in here as her co-pilot.
Her DC gave her a nod on his way in. “Solicitor's arrived in the station, ma'am.”
Yvonne was relieved. The more time they gave Darryl Williams, the more opportunity he had to concoct a story. She cleared her throat as the attorney made his way to the table. “?You've got fifteen minutes with him before we start.”
“That's not much time.” He puffed himself up.
“You can have more, later, if you need it,” she said, leaving the room.
When she returned, she had Callum with her. She introduced everyone for the tape.
“My client would like to know why he has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.”
Yvonne Smiled. “He can add to that, suspicion of sexual assault.”
“Sexual assault? What is this?” Darryl ran his hands through his hair, ending with them on top of his head, as though he could protect himself that way.
“I believe you were the employer of Karen Jones.”
“Karen?”
“Yes. She alleges sexual assault against you. She states that you assaulted her over a period of several months and that you closed ranks with your masonic buddies to cover it up.”?
“Are you charging my client with that offence?”
“I want to put the questions to him.”
“It's alright.” Darryl sighed. “I'll answer her questions.”
“Thank you, Mr Williams.”
“Look, she harassed me. Stalked me, in fact.”
“That's not how she sees it.”
“Oh
really? How does she see it? Which part of her sending me emails, asking me to leave my wife, was me harassing her?”
“Did you keep copies of the emails?”
“No. Of course not. I was terrified my wife would find them.”
“Why were you terrified, if you had nothing to hide?”
“My wife wasn't always rational.”
“Karen alleges that you told her your wife doesn't understand you. Classic line, isn't it?”
“I didn't tell her that. Or, if I did, it wasn't in the context of trying to get her pants off.”
“She said you persuaded her to go to conferences with you, to get time alone with her.”
“She would offer to come, to help keep my notes in order and for me to practice my presentations on her.”?
“You tried to kiss her.”
“I did not. She tried to kiss me. I swear.”
“But you deleted the emails, your only evidence that Karen was stalking you.”
“My marriage was on the rocks. I didn't want things made worse.” Darryl sighed again, staring at the desk. “?As it was, she left me anyway. The allegations against me were the last straw. I never found anyone else. I loved her. I still do. I'd have her back in a heartbeat.”
Yvonne put several dates to him: the dates of the three rapes and when the families lost their lives.
“Where were you on those dates, Mr Williams?”
“Can I have a moment alone with my client?” The solicitor gave her a withering look.
“Okay, we'll take ten. But, when we reconvene, I'll want answers to those questions.”
“What do you think, so far?” the DI asked Callum.
“His distress seems genuine. Either that, or he's a very good actor.”
“Agreed, but he'd be distressed if he was guilty, wouldn't he?”
“Are you going to put the deaths of the families to him?”
“Let's see what he says about the dates. I'll put it to him that he was going to use that gun on the family and see what gives. Then I'd like to confer with Tasha and Dewi, in the obs room. To be honest, Callum, we haven't got much. They've searched his car and briefcase, and found nothing. If he doesn't confess, I don't know if we can get enough evidence for a conviction, except for the assaults against Karen Jones. That's why I put that to him. I thought we'd have more time to observe him in Michael Williams' house.”
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