by Lisa Stone
‘Or she can tell me,’ Sharon added.
‘Yes, of course,’ Beth said. ‘We’d like to have a chat with you now. Can Leila go in another room with Peter?’
‘They can go in the kitchen-diner,’ Sharon said. ‘He knows where it is.’
Leila dutifully followed her social worker out of the room. As the door closed, Sharon looked at Matt and Beth cautiously. ‘What’s going on?’
‘We need to ask you a few questions,’ Beth said as Matt prepared to take notes. ‘We didn’t think it was wise for Leila to be present.’ Sharon nodded warily. ‘How well do you know Colin Weaver?’
‘Barely at all,’ Sharon replied.
‘You’ve never had a relationship with him?’
‘Goodness me, no!’ She looked shocked.
‘He’s saying you did.’
‘He’s lying.’
Beth paused. ‘How many mobile phones do you own?’
‘One. You have the number. I gave it to you when Leila first went missing.’
Beth took a sheet of paper from her shoulder bag and read out the mobile phone number Sharon had given to her.
‘That’s it,’ she confirmed.
‘And you don’t own any others?’
‘No. There’s the landline, but I keep it unplugged.’
‘Why?’ Beth asked.
‘Kelsey keeps phoning and it’s very unsettling for Leila.’
Beth nodded. ‘Does this number mean anything to you?’ she asked, and read out the number of the unregistered SIM.
The colour drained from Sharon’s face.
‘So you recognize it,’ Beth said.
‘Yes, but I haven’t used that phone in ages. I’d forgotten all about it.’
‘It wasn’t that long ago. The last time you used that phone was the night Leila went missing.’ Beth held her gaze.
Sharon stared back, visibly shaken. ‘Did I?’ she asked at last.
‘Yes. You received three calls from Colin Weaver on that night, which is a lot considering you say you don’t know him.’
A small nerve flickered at the side of Sharon’s eye and Leila’s voice drifted in from the kitchen.
‘I’m so sorry. I should have told you sooner,’ Sharon said, rubbing her cheek. ‘I do know him.’
‘So why didn’t you tell us?’
‘It was difficult.’
‘Colin Weaver is accusing you of being his accomplice in Leila’s abduction. He says not only did you know all about it, but you organized it. He’s claiming that the two of you were in a relationship and were going to flee the country with Leila.’
Sharon was shaking her head. ‘No, that’s ridiculous! Of course I wasn’t involved with him. Not at all. Do I need a solicitor?’
‘That’s up to you. If you want to make a formal statement, we would need to go to Coleshaw Police Station.’
‘I’ve got nothing to hide. I can tell you what I know.’ Sharon drew a breath and shifted in her chair. ‘It’s true, I did know Mr Weaver more than I’ve admitted, but not in the way you’re suggesting, and I had absolutely nothing to do with Leila’s disappearance. I was as shocked and worried as everyone else. I first met Colin Weaver about nine months ago. He approached me as I was leaving Kelsey’s flat. He said he was very worried about Leila because Kelsey was neglecting her, which of course I knew. I was doing all I could to help them, but it wasn’t enough.
‘Mr Weaver told me he’d been keeping an eye on Leila and that he sometimes offered her shelter in his flat if it was raining and her mother was with a client. She’s a prostitute, you know?’ Beth nodded. ‘I thought it was kind of him, and I knew Doris Goodman was also helping Leila, but clearly the situation couldn’t go on forever. I told Mr Weaver I was very worried about Leila and I was gathering evidence to take to the social services, as I didn’t think they were doing enough. I gave him my phone number – the pay-as-you-go one. I used it when my smartphone was in for repair. Later I was pleased I’d only given him that number because he kept calling me. Nothing to do with Leila – he became very personal and I realized he was infatuated with me. Obsessed. Like a stalker. I gave him no encouragement whatsoever, but he began waiting for me outside Kelsey’s flat.’ She stopped and grimaced.
‘So why didn’t you report him to the police if he was harassing you?’ Beth asked, as Matt wrote.
‘At the time I just thought he was weird and I could deal with it. Then, when I found out what he’d done, I didn’t want my name linked to his in any way. Mud can stick. But I swear, I had nothing to do with Leila’s disappearance. I was in complete shock when I found out what he’d done.’
‘Why did he call you the night Leila went missing?’
‘To tell me he loved me. It never for one moment crossed my mind that he might have taken Leila.’ Sharon paused, visibly upset. ‘The poor kid – goodness knows what she’s been through, and it’s partly my fault. I should have realized he was unbalanced. That night was the last night we spoke, and I haven’t used the phone since. I got my smartphone back.’
‘Do you still have the pay-as-you-go phone?’
‘No. I dropped it and the screen shattered, so I threw it away. It was only cheap.’
‘And the SIM that was in it?’
‘It went in the bin with the phone. There was no reason to keep it.’
Beth nodded. ‘Have you seen Mr Weaver since his release from prison?’
‘No, he’s not allowed to contact Leila, me or Kelsey. It’s a condition of his bail.’
‘Do you have any plans to live abroad?’
‘What? No. I don’t even have a passport and neither does Leila.’
‘Are you still working at Elm & Co.?’ Matt asked.
‘Yes, of course. I’ve been there for ages. Why would I leave? They’ve been very good to me and have given me extra holiday while Leila settles in.’
‘Why do you think Colin Weaver tried to implicate you in Leila’s disappearance?’ Beth asked.
‘I’ve no idea, other than because he’s obsessed with me. He’s unhinged. Perhaps he thought he was doing me a favour by taking Leila. I really don’t know.’
Beth gave a small nod. ‘OK. Thank you. We’ll need to take a statement from you at some point. Perhaps you could come to Coleshaw Police Station next week?’
‘Yes. I’ll do anything I can to help. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.’
‘One last question,’ Beth said, returning the sheet of paper to her bag. ‘How well do you know Doris Goodman?’
‘Quite well. As I say, she helped Leila.’
‘And Mr Weaver? Does he know her?’
‘A little, I expect. I really don’t know.’
‘OK. Thank you. We’ll say goodbye to Leila and Peter and then leave you to it. Let us know when you’re coming to make your statement.’
‘I will.’
FORTY-FOUR
‘I believe Sharon,’ Matt said as he and Beth returned to their car.
‘So do I. It makes far more sense than what Weaver is claiming. He was obsessed with Sharon and found a way to get close to her through Leila. In his warped perception, he believed he was helping Sharon by ‘rescuing’ Leila. She has a steady job and owns her house – I checked the Land Registry on the way here. It’s not rented. She clearly has no intention of leaving the country.’
‘And all those calls on Weaver’s phone log were one way – from him to her,’ Matt said, starting the car. ‘It’s classic stalking behaviour – bombard her with calls, lie in wait to see her and not take no for an answer. It’s a pity Sharon didn’t report him at the time. We might have been able to stop him abducting Leila.’
Beth nodded thoughtfully. ‘Unfortunately we haven’t got the resources to check the CCTV at the restaurants and hotels Weaver claims he went to with Sharon. It would prove her story and that he’s a fantasist and a liar.’
‘Although there’s enough evidence to convict him for the abduction of Leila without it. You’d better update the boss and tell
Peter Harris,’ Matt said.
‘Yes, I’ll do that now. Can we stop off for a burger on our way to Doris Goodman? I’m starving.’
‘Me too.’
As Matt drove, looking out for a fast-food takeaway, Beth phoned DS Scrivener and then Peter Harris’s mobile. ‘Are you still at Sharon’s?’ she asked.
‘Yes. I’ll be here for a while. I can go outside if you want to talk to me in private.’
‘Yes, please.’
Beth waited a few moments until Peter came back on the phone. ‘Go ahead,’ he said.
‘I thought you’d want to know the results of our interview with Sharon.’
‘Yes, absolutely.’
‘She has denied ever having a relationship with Colin Weaver, or playing any part in Leila’s abduction. She’s coming into Coleshaw Police Station next week to make a statement. There’s no solid evidence to suggest anyone else was involved in Leila’s abduction but Weaver. Did Leila tell you any more?’
‘No, she’s still too traumatized,’ Peter said, ‘but she seems happy with her aunt. Thank you for letting me know. I’ll phone my manager and update her. I’m sure she’ll agree that Leila should be allowed to stay with her aunt. Leila doesn’t need any more upheaval now.’
‘No. She’s very quiet,’ Beth commented. ‘Not at all like the Leila I used to see on the estate when she lived with her mother. She could be quite lippy.’
‘Sharon’s a good influence,’ Peter said. ‘She’s put boundaries in place, and Leila respects that. Plus, of course, Leila has been through a dreadful ordeal, so she’s bound to be withdrawn for a while.’
‘Yes. I’m sure you’re right. I’ll leave you to it then.’
‘Thank you for the update.’
‘You’re welcome.’
It was nearly seven o’clock when Matt and Beth pulled up outside Doris Goodman’s home, having picked up a burger and coffee on the way, which they’d eaten in the car. Mrs Goodman’s Christmas lights were still sparkling brightly in her living-room window.
‘I can’t believe it’s over a week since Christmas,’ Beth said with a sigh.
‘And it’s a long time to the next holiday,’ Matt said.
Looming to their right was the block of flats where Kelsey and Colin lived. Between the flats and Doris Goodman’s flat was the play area. Mike, Jason and others were gathering in the shadows, ready for business as usual. As Matt and Beth got out of the car they dispersed, some running off and others on pedal bikes. ‘Sensible choice!’ Matt called after them.
‘Fuck off!’ came the reply.
‘Leave it,’ Beth said as Matt was about to go after them. ‘I’d like to get home at some point this evening. It’s been a long day.’
‘I’ll be back!’ Matt shouted.
Doris apparently hadn’t seen or heard the commotion and Matt had to press the bell, then knock, before the door was opened.
‘Sorry. I was on the telephone,’ she said, appearing flustered. ‘Come in.’
‘Happy New Year,’ Beth said, as they went into her sitting room. A row of Christmas cards stood on the mantelpiece and a small decorated artificial Christmas tree was in one corner, but those and the fairy lights in the window were the only Christmas decorations. It looked a bit sad, Beth thought. ‘Did you have a nice Christmas?’ she asked as they sat down.
‘Not bad. I had company, as usual. There’s always at least one child on the estate who needs a meal and somewhere warm on Christmas Day. This time there were three of them.’
Beth tutted. ‘Three kids whose parents couldn’t be bothered even on Christmas Day. That was kind of you.’
Doris shrugged off the praise. ‘It’s company for me. How can I help you? I’m sure you didn’t come here at this time of night to wish me a Happy New Year.’
‘No.’ Beth smiled and took a chocolate from the box Doris was offering. ‘Thank you. How well do you know Sharon Kern, Kelsey’s sister?’ she asked.
‘A little,’ Doris replied, offering Matt the box. ‘Sharon was very worried about Leila and knew I used to take her in sometimes. We chatted a few times, mainly about Leila. I was so relieved when she went to live with her aunt.’
‘When was the last time you saw Sharon?’
‘Hmm, let me think,’ Doris said, closing the lid on the box. ‘I can’t remember exactly, but it may have been when Leila first went missing, around the fourteenth of November.’
‘Have you spoken to her since?’
‘Yes, on the phone. When Leila was found. I couldn’t tell you the exact day. Why? Is there a problem?’
‘No. We’re just checking a few details, as Colin Weaver has changed his statement.’
‘Has he?’ she asked, clearly taken aback.
‘Have you seen or spoken to Mr Weaver since his release?’ Beth asked.
‘No. Of course not! After what he did?’ she replied, visibly affronted by the suggestion.
‘Has he tried to contact you?’
‘No. Why should he? I wouldn’t have anything to do with him after what he did. If he’s got any sense, he’ll keep his head down. There’s plenty round here who would give him a right going over if they got the chance.’
Beth looked carefully at Doris. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more respectable, law-abiding citizen, but – ‘Mr Weaver is saying that you knew he was taking Leila to your cottage,’ she said.
‘What! That’s ridiculous. Why would he say that? It’s not true.’
‘He’s claiming that not only did you know Leila was at the cottage, but you and Sharon were involved in Leila’s abduction. That you planned it together.’
‘Ludicrous!’ Doris cried, throwing up her hands in horror. ‘Of course I didn’t know Leila was there, nor did I have anything to do with her abduction. To say such a thing is madness. You surely don’t believe him?’
Beth held her gaze. Seated here in this neat, warm, cosy living room, with a kind, elderly lady who took in children when their parents neglected them, Weaver’s claims did seem just as Doris said – madness. Yet …
‘Why do you think he would try to implicate you?’ Beth asked.
‘I’ve no idea. For the same reason he tried to implicate Sharon, I suppose.’
‘I don’t think so,’ Matt said. ‘Mr Weaver was obsessed with Sharon – you know, infatuated with her.’
‘He told you that?’ Doris asked.
‘Yes.’
‘Perhaps he thinks blaming others will make him appear less guilty,’ Doris suggested. ‘What is Leila saying?’
‘Nothing at present,’ Beth said. ‘She’s still too traumatized to tell us what happened.’
‘I see. Well, I’m sorry but I really can’t help you. Colin Weaver is lying, that’s all I know.’
Beth nodded. ‘Well, if you think of anything else that might help, please let us know. We won’t keep you further. Thank you for your time.’
They stood and Doris saw them out. The door closed quickly behind them.
‘You seemed a bit doubtful in there,’ Matt said as they got into the car.
‘Not really. It’s just, I don’t understand – what’s in it for Colin Weaver to incriminate Doris Goodman in the way he has?’
‘It’s probably as she said – Weaver trying to spread the blame to make himself appear less culpable. Who better to accuse than Sharon, the woman who didn’t return his love, and the owner of the cottage where he hid Leila?’
‘Yes, when you put it like that it makes sense.’
Matt started the car and as they pulled away Beth looked up at the block of flats towering to their left. The lights were on in both Colin Weaver’s and Kelsey Smith’s flats. ‘I hope Peter Harris sorts out contact soon,’ Beth said. ‘Kelsey must be devastated. Seeing Leila is all she has left.’
FORTY-FIVE
At the same time Matt and Beth were leaving the Hawthorn Estate, Kelsey was standing in her living room, phone pressed to her ear, shouting at Peter Harris. He’d just called her to explain why she wouldn�
��t be allowed to see Leila for the time being.
‘But Sharon’s lying!’ Kelsey screamed. ‘It’s not true. I don’t keep getting drunk!’
‘Kelsey, please be realistic,’ Peter said patiently. ‘I’ve seen the photographs Sharon took. They show you lying on your bed, fully dressed, unconscious from drink. Sharon said you drank a whole bottle of gin and had started on a second before she stopped you. It’s damaging for Leila to witness you getting drunk and then attacking her aunt.’
‘I didn’t attack her!’ Kelsey cried, even more angry and frustrated. ‘I just went to bed like she said. And it was New Year’s Eve, for Christ’s sake! We were celebrating. I promise it won’t happen again.’
There was a moment’s pause before Peter said, ‘But it has happened before, Kelsey, hasn’t it? Lots of times. You drank a full bottle of vodka on Christmas Day.’
‘Did Sharon tell you that?’
‘Yes. I appreciate how difficult it is not to relapse. I really think you would benefit from joining a support group like Alcoholics Anonymous.’
‘But Christmas Day was different,’ Kelsey said in despair. ‘Leila was missing. I thought she was dead. I was trying to blot out the pain. And Sharon wasn’t even there when I started drinking, so how does she know how much I drank?’
‘She found the empty bottle in the bin.’
‘She searched my bin? The cow! I bet she didn’t tell you she was the one who brought the gin on New Year’s Eve. I’d been doing OK until then. My neighbour, Brooke, said it was wrong of her to give it to me.’
‘Look, Kelsey, it’s late and you’re upset,’ Peter said. ‘It would be better if I visited you tomorrow to discuss contact and any other issues you have.’
‘Bollocks! What is there to discuss? You’re not going to change your mind about me seeing Leila.’
‘I’m only suspending contact until I can arrange supervised contact at a family centre. If you were to arrive there under the influence of alcohol or drugs, contact wouldn’t go ahead.’
‘But I’m off the drugs and I only relapsed with the drink on those two occasions Sharon told you about.’ Kelsey knew she was sounding desperate, but she couldn’t help it – she was desperate.