‘When was this?’ Meadows asked.
‘A few weeks ago.’
‘Would this be just after Dr Rowlands went missing?’
‘Yes, I told you that Donald wasn’t well at the time.’
‘I hope you’re not implying that Donald had something to do with Dr Rowlands’ murder,’ Cerith said.
‘It’s possible that he was involved somehow,’ Meadows said. ‘He could have witnessed something or known who killed him.’
Anwen started to cry. ‘Why didn’t he speak to us? I asked him over and over if something was bothering him. What if he was afraid? What if whoever murdered Dr Rowlands forced Donald to attack that girl. He must have been so frightened.’
‘What did Tomos and Donald talk about?’ Meadows asked.
‘I don’t know. Donald was in his room and refused to come down. He got like that sometimes. Tomos said he would have a chat with him and say a prayer. Donald liked that. He seemed a bit better after and came downstairs. Do you think that Donald told Tomos what was bothering him?’
‘I don’t know,’ Meadows said. ‘We will speak to Tomos to find out.’ Meadows stood. ‘I understand that you didn’t want to have a family liaison officer.’
‘We would rather be on our own,’ Cerith said.
‘I think it would be wise from now on to accept the help. They can keep you informed of any developments. There will be a press release at some stage and even though we won’t release Donald’s name in connection to the attack on Stacey Evans, people in the village will probably guess. We also have to inform Stacey’s family.’
Anwen put her head in her hands. ‘Oh God, no.’ She sobbed. ‘I don’t want people talking about him. Saying he did those things. He wouldn’t, I just know he wouldn’t.’
‘I will do my very best to find out what happened that night,’ Meadows said. ‘Everyone has a breaking point. Donald was riddled with grief over Erin and may well have been susceptible to persuasion. Whatever happened in the last few weeks, and no matter what people say, can’t diminish the love you had for your son or that he had for you. Try to hold on to that.’
Anwen nodded.
‘One more thing. Did Donald drive?’
‘He’s had some lessons, but he hadn’t taken his test,’ Cerith said.
‘Okay, thank you. We’ll see ourselves out.’
Cerith and Anwen didn’t say anything as Meadows and Edris left the room. As Meadows opened the front door, he welcomed the light. It wasn’t just the darkness of the room but the heavy atmosphere that death brings to a home. Grief, he thought, casts a long shadow and it was easy for that shadow to cover you and sink into your pores.
‘What now?’ Edris asked after Meadows had closed the door.
‘I’ll give Paskin a call to see if they managed to pick up Tomos John. I think they should keep him at the station for questioning. I want to know why he visited Donald and what he said.’
‘Do you think he went there to make sure Donald kept quiet?’
‘Why else would he be calling around? Give Valentine a call to see how she got on with Sarah Kelly. I want this lot shaken up.’
Paskin answered on the first ring.
‘Did he give you any problems?’ Meadows asked.
‘We haven’t managed to get hold of him,’ Paskin said. ‘He wasn’t at work. There was a man there covering for him. He said Tomos and his father went to some farmers’ market in Builth Wells to pick up supplies this morning.’
‘I want Tomos and Ellis brought in as soon as they get back. In the meantime go to the school and talk to Mrs Hughes, the headmistress. See who Donald hung around with in school. It doesn’t sound like he had any friends his own age but better check it out if only to keep Lester happy.’
‘Okay, we’ll head over there now.’
‘Thanks,’ Meadows hung up. ‘What did Valentine say?’
‘Can’t get hold of her. She’s not answering.’
‘Maybe she took Sarah Kelly to the station. She shouldn’t have been that far behind us. Her car’s not outside.’ He indicated Sarah Kelly’s house. ‘Let’s go and see the Evanses. Hopefully Anthony has calmed down, but I expect he will blow up again when we tell him about Donald.’
* * *
Anthony Evans was stood on the doorstep and Meadows guessed he’d been waiting and had seen the car come up the drive.
‘I thought you would come earlier,’ Anthony said. ‘I’ve work to do.’
‘We won’t keep you long,’ Meadows said.
Anthony led them into the kitchen where Cloe and Becca sat at the pine table. Cloe looked at Meadows expectantly while Becca’s eyes were trained on Edris as he took a seat.
Brianna, the family liaison officer, was making tea.
‘Becca wanted to stay home from school today to listen to what you have to say,’ Cloe said.
‘That’s fine,’ Meadows said as he sat down, ‘but what we discuss today should go no further than this house. That means no posting on social media.’
‘We can check up,’ Edris said. ‘You understand that it’s important not to disclose confidential information.’ He gave Becca a smile.
Becca nodded.
‘I explained to Anthony last night that there have been some developments in the case, although it is not straightforward. We have evidence that connects Donald Hobson to the attack on Stacey.’
‘Donald!’ Becca shook her head. ‘He’s a pussy. Stacey was always teasing him, and he never once answered back. She wouldn’t have let him anywhere near her.’
‘You mean to tell me that that boy raped and murdered my daughter? He was just a kid, still in school,’ Anthony said.
‘Stacey had told a few people that Donald was following her,’ Edris said. ‘We also have evidence that shows that he recorded her movements.’
‘But they went to school together,’ Cloe said. ‘They started nursery at the same time. Why would he do it?’
‘Because the kid was a weirdo,’ Anthony said. ‘His parents must have known what he was like, what he did, and they kept quiet. They are as guilty as he is.’
‘They didn’t know,’ Meadows said. ‘I would strongly advise you not to have any contact with them. I don’t want a repeat of what happened last night.’
Brianna placed a mug of tea in front of each of them and took a seat.
‘So, that’s it,’ Anthony said. ‘He kills my daughter, and nothing is done about it.’
‘Donald is dead,’ Meadows said.
‘Yes, but his parents should be held accountable.’
‘I understand you are angry, and you want justice for your daughter. The Hobsons have lost their only child, and as well as trying to come to terms with that, they also have to deal with the fact that Donald was at least in some part responsible for Stacey’s murder. I think they are suffering enough,’ Meadows said.
‘What do you mean Donald was partly responsible?’ Cloe asked.
‘We don’t think that Donald acted alone. Our evidence shows that someone else was present that night.’
‘Who?’ Anthony asked.
‘We don’t know.’ Meadows took a sip of his tea.
‘You think it’s Rhodri, don’t you? That’s why you arrested him,’ Anthony said.
‘I told you last night we have no evidence to link Rhodri to Stacey’s murder. What makes you think that he is responsible?’
‘Well, after you took him I started to think about it. He’d look at her sometimes, you know what I mean. Give her a smile or a wink.’
‘He’d flirt with her,’ Cloe said. ‘You know what young girls are like. She’d find some excuse to go up the fields when he was working. I didn’t think that much of it at the time, only that he had a wife and son, and he shouldn’t have been flirting. Then we thought what if he had taken it further? Wanted more? If Stacey refused and he wouldn’t take no for an answer?’
‘Then there was the night before the doctor went missing,’ Anthony said.
‘What happened th
at night?’ Meadows asked.
‘Stacey was babysitting that night for Harry. Rhodri and Gemma said they were going to Swansea for a night out. Stacey didn’t get back until after four in the morning. I was already up.’
‘Did she say why she was so late?’
‘She said Rhodri’s car had broken down. He’d tried to fix it himself but had to call for help.’
‘Are you sure it was that night?’
‘Yes,’ Cloe said. ‘It was a school day, and I was worried she would be too tired to go, but she went in. I had an appointment with Dr Rowlands that morning. When I got to the surgery it was bedlam as the doctor hadn’t turned up and there was no one to see the patients. The papers are saying that there is a serial killer in the village. If Rhodri killed Dr Rowlands maybe Stacey knew something about it.’
‘Or are you saying that Donald killed Dr Rowlands as well as Stacey?’ Anthony said.
‘No, at this stage we don’t know if Donald had any involvement in Dr Rowlands’ death, neither do we have any evidence that Rhodri was involved. Did Stacey say anything to you about that night?’
‘No, other than explaining why she was so late.’
‘How did she seem? Worried? Unusually quiet?’
‘No, other than being tired she seemed fine,’ Cloe said.
‘How did she get home that morning?’
‘I think Rhodri dropped her off, he usually did when she had been babysitting,’ Anthony said.
‘Did you hear a car?’
‘I don’t think so. The dogs were barking when she came in.’
‘So are you going to arrest Rhodri again? You said Donald didn’t act alone,’ Cloe asked.
‘It could well be that if Stacey walked home that morning she may have seen someone but didn’t know the relevance.’
‘So that’s it,’ Anthony said.
‘We are still working on the investigation. Brianna will keep you updated.’ Meadows stood. ‘Please stay away from Rhodri and the Hobsons. It won’t help us if we have to deal with another incident. If anything else comes to mind, let Brianna know.’
‘That was interesting,’ Meadows said as he started the car.
‘Yeah, Rhodri didn’t mention that Stacey babysat the night the doctor went missing or that they were late home.’ Edris looked at his phone. ‘Still nothing from Valentine. I left her a message.’
‘She should have picked it up by now,’ Meadows said. He dialled the station number and Sergeant Folland answered.
‘Has Valentine brought in Sarah Kelly for fingerprinting?’ Meadows asked.
‘No, she hasn’t been in.’
‘At all?’
‘No, I haven’t seen her. She usually says hello when she comes in. Is there a problem?’
‘I’m not sure. She isn’t answering her phone. We’ll call at Sarah Kelly’s house, see if she’s been there. Thanks, Folland.’ Meadows hung up.
‘It’s not like her,’ Edris said. ‘She’s always in on time.’
‘Maybe her appointment ran over.’
‘She would have called in. She knew she was supposed to see Sarah this morning.’
‘Yes, you’re right.’
Meadows felt uneasy as he drove back into the village and parked outside Sarah’s house. There was no sign of Valentine’s or Sarah’s car. Meadows got out and hammered on the door. When there was no answer he got back in the car.
‘You better give Valentine’s parents a call. Keep it casual, I don’t want to worry them. It may be that she had bad news at the hospital and called them, or even went to see them. Sarah Kelly and Tomos and Ellis John are also missing. I just hope that Valentine isn’t in trouble.’
Chapter Thirty
He looked at his watch again and saw that the minute hand had barely moved. Time was crawling along, and he wasn’t sure how long he could hold out. His head felt like someone was driving an ice pick into his skull over and over, and all he wanted to do was take some pills and lock himself away. He so desperately wanted it to be over.
It wasn’t supposed to happen like this. It was supposed to be peaceful. His actions all along had been to make a difference. Now his plans had to be adapted and there had been little time to pull it together. The police were getting closer, it wouldn’t be long now, he just had to stretch it out as long as possible. He’d seen them around the village this morning, it had been so difficult to get indoors without being seen.
If that bloody policewoman hadn’t come along, it would have gone smoothly and there would have been plenty of time. He had tried to act normal, but he’d seen her looking at him. There had been a second and third look before he saw realisation dawn on her face. He thought that would be it. He had felt the heat prickle his body and sweat gather on his brow, but she didn’t approach him. Maybe it would have been better if she had. He would have been sat in a police cell now and he could have dragged it out. He didn’t want it to end this way. He had a plan and she had come along to ruin it. He wondered if it was the devil’s work. They say the devil is always waiting around the corner.
She had followed him alone. Why? He had no idea. She could have made a call. He had to act, he had no choice, but it still pricked at his conscience. As far as he knew she was innocent, worked against those who did wrong. She didn’t deserve to die.
First, he’d had to get rid of her car. It hadn’t been that difficult. The keys were in her pocket. He’d driven it into the garage and locked the door. Next he had to remove his own car. He had driven to Iris Hawkins’ house. Popped in to see her then walked back. He was sure no one would see it there. If his car was missing, they wouldn’t come to his house. The walk back had been difficult. He tried to stay off the main road but that meant traipsing through fields and getting wet. Now, as well as the headache, he was cold and tired and he still had to get rid of her. The police would call around, he was sure of it. He would have to wait until dark. If he could hold out that long. He looked at the shotgun on the kitchen table. It was loaded ready to use. The thought made him feel sick. He’d taken it from Iris. She’d asked him to get rid of it after her husband died. He was glad now he had kept it. He just hoped he had the strength to carry it through. He sat down at the kitchen table, he thought about eating something even if it was just to get him through the rest of the day. His stomach turned at the thought of food. Instead he picked up his bible and began to read, hoping the words would bring him some comfort.
Chapter Thirty-one
The atmosphere in the office was tense as all eyes were fixed on Meadows. Uniformed officers gathered around with the team, all keen to help with the search for Valentine. Edris was talking on the phone and Lester was stood next to Meadows.
Lester cleared his throat. ‘So far we know that Valentine attended a hospital appointment at eight thirty this morning. We’ve spoken to security at the hospital and her car is seen arriving at eight fifteen and leaving at just after nine. The car is picked up on traffic cameras on the M4 shortly after. She would have been heading towards Bryn Mawr to the station to check in, but she didn’t arrive. There are several turns she could have taken but my guess is she went to Gaer Fawr. She was due to call on Sarah Kelly this morning but why she would go without checking in is what is troubling. Sarah Kelly is missing, as is her car. There have been no sightings.’ He turned to Meadows and nodded.
‘Paskin, what’s the status on Tomos and Ellis John?’ Meadows asked.
‘Builth Wells police have checked the farmer’s market. There was no sign of Tomos’ Land Rover. They also talked to the vendors, most of them knew both Tomos and his father from previous visits but they haven’t seen them today.’
‘Edris, did you have any luck getting hold of Gemma Lewis’ parents?’
‘Yes,’ Edris said. ‘Gemma and Rhodri are not there. Gemma’s mother said that they weren’t expecting them today or anytime soon.’
‘What about the car?’ Meadows asked.
‘It hasn’t been picked up by traffic, if they were heading for Bris
tol it would have been picked up on camera, besides they would have had plenty of time to get there.’
‘Right.’ Meadows ran his hands through his hair. ‘I want as many uniforms as can be spared in Gaer Fawr. I want every door knocked. I want to know if anyone has seen Valentine or her car. Also check to see if they have seen the Lewises, Sarah Kelly, or Tomos John.’
‘There are a lot of officers coming in that aren’t on shift to volunteer,’ Folland said. ‘She’s very popular and everyone wants to see her found safely.’
‘Good,’ Meadows said. ‘Paskin and Hanes, you take the Lewis house, knock the door down if you have to.’
‘Do you think that’s necessary,’ Lester asked. ‘She could be anywhere, and you already established that Rhodri Lewis’ DNA didn’t match any of the crime scenes.’
‘It doesn’t mean that he isn’t involved,’ Meadows said. ‘Valentine’s been missing for almost four hours and so far we haven’t had a single sighting. For all we know she could be being held at one of the houses. We need to search them all. Edris and I will go to Tomos John’s house. That leaves Sarah Kelly.’
‘I’ll organise the search there,’ Folland said.
‘All three are suspects, she has to be with one of them,’ Meadows said. ‘Did Vicar Daniels come in to give fingerprints?’
‘No,’ Paskin said.
‘Then we better send someone around to the vicarage. See why he didn’t turn up. He may well know something or as he also had writing on his door, he could be in danger.’
‘I’ll organise a press release for an appeal for information on Valentine’s whereabouts,’ Lester said. ‘I’ll call personally on her parents to let them know the situation.’
‘Right, let’s go.’ Meadows grabbed his coat.
* * *
Tomos John and his father lived in a small cottage overlooking the neighbouring farm. While Edris hammered on the door, Meadows peered through the windows. All was quiet inside.
‘Let’s try around the back,’ Meadows said.
They hurried around the back of the cottage and saw a Land Rover parked near the back door. Meadows banged on the door then moved to the window. He could see a sink with plates and cups stacked on the side, beyond that was a bare kitchen table.
A Knot of Sparrows: a murder mystery set in the heart of the valleys Page 20