by Sally Rigby
‘Probably not. When he left earlier, he said he’d see me in the morning. So, you should be in the clear. But you never know with him, so we’d better get a move on.’
‘Does that mean you’ll help?’
‘It does.’
‘Thanks, Twig. You’re a lifesaver.’
‘But we’ll keep it between ourselves.’
‘As we always do. Because we’re partners,’ she said, smiling at him.
Why did he allow himself to be jealous of Clifford when there was no need for it? He was an idiot.
‘Okay, let me have something to eat, first.’ He grabbed the paper bag and pulled out the pasty and took a couple of bites before replacing it. ‘I’m all yours,’ he said, his mouth still full.
‘Right. We’ll take half the cars each and see how quickly we can run them through the system.’
‘Am I looking for anything specific?’
‘Something out of the ordinary that catches your eye,’ Birdie said.
They sat in companionable silence keying number plates into the database.
‘I’ve got nothing, so far. Are you sure this is the best thing to do?’ Twiggy asked, frustrated by their lack of progress.
‘Yes … Actually, no. Stop for a moment, I need to check something.’
He leant in towards her and watched as she called up some CCTV footage on her screen.
‘What are you looking at?’
‘You see this silver Golf being parked and the woman crossing the road and heading into the café? She’d driven around three times before pulling into a space. Nothing to cause alarm. But … look at the car, there’s a dent in the back wing.’
‘Yeah, I see it. So …’
‘Wait a minute,’ Birdie interrupted as she called up some other footage. ‘This is from the day that Lacey saw something, and it upset her. We were standing outside on the street. Look over the road. What do you see?’
‘He peered at the screen. A silver Golf with a dent in the back.’
‘It’s the same car. Except the plates are different. I’ll look them both up. Now we’re getting somewhere.’
Twiggy sat back in his chair, finishing his pasty, which was now cold, and then eating his cake, while Birdie peered at her screen. After a few minutes she turned and grinned, her eyes shining.
‘The plate from when Lacey was abandoned is registered to a Laura Kingston who lives in Creaton, a village in Northamptonshire on the A50. You probably know it, as it’s only twenty minutes away. Her car was reported stolen that weekend. Very convenient, don’t you think?’
‘Except … why leave a plate on a stolen car if it’s going to be involved in an incident? The police would’ve been on the lookout for it.’
‘I don’t know. But I’m going to find out.’
‘What about this second sighting?’
‘The car now has fake plates. It’s the same car. It has to be. I’ll take screenshots of both vehicles. I can’t believe it. We’ve finally got a break. Yes.’ She punched the air in typical Birdie fashion. ‘And I still have time to get to cricket practice.’
‘Now what? Are you going to involve Sarge?’
‘No, definitely not. This is a lead, but it’s not enough. It’s only the start. I’ll let Seb know, and we’ll decide our next steps. I’m not seeing him until Friday evening because he’s going back to London for a day or two. I’ll take everything I’ve got, to discuss with him.’
He bristled. Bloody Clifford. Again.
‘In that case, if we’ve finished up, I’m going home to see what culinary delights I’m being served tonight. Knowing my luck, it will be a plate of cabbage.’
‘Enjoy,’ Birdie said, smirking.
‘You wait until you’re older and can’t eat and drink whatever you want. Then it will be my turn to laugh.’
‘If you say so. I think I’ll stop for a pizza after cricket practice. Mmm … I can already smell the melted cheese.’
‘Button it. I’ll see you in the morning.’ He glared at her then picked up his things and left.
Chapter 19
‘Over here.’ Seb glanced in the direction of the voice, as he walked into the pub in central London, and saw Rob standing at the bar, beckoning. ‘A pint?’ his friend asked when he got there.
‘Make it a half, I’ve got a long day and night ahead of me.’
‘Good to see you again. We could have done this over the phone to save you the trouble of coming here,’ Rob said, once they’d got their drinks and had sat down at a table under the window.
‘It’s no trouble. I’m attending a charity event at the Savoy this evening with my father and staying the night at my parents’ London home.’
‘Sounds like fun.’ Rob knew how intense his family could be, so he didn’t need to hide it.
‘Nothing could beat it. That’s why I wanted to meet up with you, to get a taste of normality. What’s happening in your life? Anything interesting?’
‘Nah. Same old, same old. I’m overworked and underpaid. Nothing changes. How’s my research coming along? Made any inroads, yet?’
‘I’m making progress, although it’s not fast. There’s an intricate network of people involved in the shipments of drugs, which go via a number of different countries, on a variety of vessels. I should have a report for you within the next couple of weeks.’
‘Thanks, mate. How’s the new company going? Got any work yet, other than mine?’
‘It’s early days, but I do have one other case. I’ll tell you what it is, but this is to go no further.’
‘My lips are sealed.’
‘I’m working on a case with Birdie, the DC from Market Harborough. Do you remember her?’
‘How could I forget? Send her my best the next time you see her.’
‘She actually asked me to pass on her regards, too.’
‘I liked her, very much. She was a refreshing change from some of the DCs around here. Why is it all hush-hush?’
‘We’re looking into a case from over a year ago that came to a standstill. Birdie came to me as she couldn’t convince her sergeant to reopen it. Hence the need for discretion, as he doesn’t know what we’re doing.’ Seb took a sip of his beer.
‘Tell me about it?’ Rob asked.
‘A little girl was found alone in Market Harborough, and they were unable to trace where she came from. Birdie knows the child as she’s being fostered by her aunt. There was an incident, witnessed by Birdie, when the child saw something and was badly shaken. Birdie believed it was linked to her past. I trust her instincts and have agreed to help.’
‘Who’s paying for this?’
‘I’m not being paid. It’s pro bono.’
‘You won’t make your fortune that way.’
‘According to Birdie, I owe her from the last case when she worked for free.’
‘And you agreed?’
‘Not exactly.’
‘She’s got you wrapped around her little finger. You should ask her to join your company. That way you might actually make some money, because I bet she won’t support work being done for nothing.’
‘You’re probably right. But I’m not in the position to take on any staff yet.’
‘Fair enough. Tell me, what’s it like living in the sticks now you’ve been there a while?’ Rob turned up his nose. He hated anything other than city life.
‘I’m enjoying it and not missing London one bit.’
‘And Annabelle?’ he asked, referring to Seb’s ex-girlfriend.
‘I haven’t heard from her since we split. I believe she might be seeing someone else, but I don’t know, nor am I interested in finding out.’
They’d been in a relationship for almost ten years, but after he’d left the force, she’d sided with his family about going to work for them and he’d realised they were on different pages. Annabelle came from a perfectly suitable family, according to his parents, and it had turned out that they’d been conspiring behind his back to persuade him to return to the
family fold.
‘Have you met anyone else?’
‘No, I’m happy being single and spending time with Elsa. She loves being away from the city and living in the country. It’s given her a new lease of life. Less about my mundane existence, tell me what’s going on with you?’
‘The big news is Maddie and I are expecting a baby in August.’
‘And you waited until now to tell me? Congratulations, I’m thrilled for you.’ He lifted his glass and clinked it against Rob’s.
‘Thanks. We’ll celebrate when she’s born.’
‘You know it’s a girl?’
‘Yes, we asked at the scan. Maddie’s delighted. We both are.’
They discussed the work Rob was doing for a while longer and then Seb glanced at the time.
‘I should leave as my parents are expecting me. It’s been great catching up and congratulations again on your news. Send my love to Maddie. We’ll meet up again soon.’
He left the pub and hailed a taxi to Ovington Square in Knightsbridge, where his parents had their London residence. He didn’t have a key, so when he arrived, he rang the bell.
‘Good afternoon, sir,’ the family butler said when he answered.
‘Hello, Bates. Good to see you again. How are you?’
‘Very well, thank you, sir. Your parents are in the drawing room awaiting your arrival.’
‘I’ll go and see them now. Is my room ready as I’ll be staying overnight?’
‘Yes, sir. Everything’s in order.’
Seb headed through to the drawing room which was situated on the ground floor of the four-storey home. His father was reading a newspaper and his mother a book, when he entered the room.
‘Mother. Father.’
‘Sebastian, you’re here,’ his mother, Charlotte, said as she walked over to greet him.
He bent down and kissed her on both cheeks. His father, Phillip, joined them and they shook hands.
‘Good to see you, Sebastian,’ he said.
‘Sit down and I’ll organise some tea.’ His mother rang the bell and a young woman, whom Seb didn’t recognise, hurried in. ‘Tea for three, please, Angie.’
‘Tell me more about Hubert,’ Seb said, once they were alone again.
‘He’s staying here with us and spending most of the time in his room. It’s most disconcerting,’ his mother said.
‘You can’t leave him like that. It sounds like he needs professional help.’
‘You know my view on outsiders being involved in family affairs. I’m sure he’ll get over it,’ his father said, waving his arm dismissively.
Seb gave a frustrated sigh. ‘He might not, though, Father. We can’t ignore this. He should go to the doctor and get some counselling and medication, if it’s needed.’
‘He’s going through a bad patch. It happens to all of us at some point during our lives. I know it did to me, and I forced myself to carry on. Eventually, I was fine.’
‘That doesn’t make it the right course of action to take. Virginia should be with him,’ Seb said, not wanting to condone his father’s view.
‘She’s with the children. They have school.’
‘Is she aware of Hubert’s mental state?’
‘We don’t know. We haven’t discussed it with her,’ his mother said.
‘Why not? If you talk to her, she might come to London to help. I’m sure the staff could take care of the children for a few days. I’ll speak to Hubert. He simply can’t be allowed to remain like this without any support being offered.’
‘Cliffords are made of strong stuff. I have every confidence he’ll work it out. But until that time, I need you to be available whenever you’re needed,’ his father said.
How could he be so naïve?
‘I’m happy to go with you tonight, as I was able to rearrange my work commitments, but it’s not always going to be possible. You can’t rely on me.’
‘It’s your own company, so surely that means you can make yourself available.’ His father exchanged a glance with his mother and frowned.
‘I have clients, and they can’t be let down. One of them being the Metropolitan Police.’
‘Didn’t you tell me that you’d cut all ties with the police force?’ his mother asked, tilting her head to one side.
‘The work came up, and I took it. It’s my company’s first official case.’
‘I’m not surprised they want to employ you, with your Super Memory,’ she said using the term she always did when referring to his HSAM.
‘What time are you wanting to leave this evening, Father?’ he asked, not wishing to discuss his employment any longer.
‘I’ve arranged for the car to collect us at six. The reception commences at six-thirty, followed by the meal at eight.’
‘Is there anyone in particular you wish me to speak to?’
‘No, it’s only your presence that’s needed. We’re representing the family. You do know it’s black tie?’
‘Yes, I have everything that’s required with me.’
‘I’ll make sure your attire is pressed and ready for when you change,’ his mother said.
‘Thank you. I’m going upstairs to talk with Hubert. I’d like to see for myself how he is. Save me some cake, when it arrives.’
‘You might be able to cheer him up and bring him out of his doldrums,’ his mother said, hopefully.
Seb shook his head. It was no use, they would never understand. ‘I’ll be suggesting to Hubert that he seeks some professional help. What’s happening with his work? Is he doing any at all?’
‘The estate is being run by the manager and I’m overseeing everything else. Which isn’t what I expected to be doing at my age,’ his father said.
Seb left the room and headed up to the third floor, where his brother had some rooms. He knocked on the door.
‘Who is it?’ Hubert called out.
‘Sebastian.’
‘I’m not receiving visitors.’
‘I’d like to talk to you, please may I come in?’
‘I’m in no mood for a chat.’
‘I haven’t seen you for a while. I won’t stay long. Promise.’
There was silence for a long time.
Should he knock or leave him?
‘I’ll speak to you but only for a few minutes,’ Hubert said, before he had time to decide.
Seb walked in and swallowed hard. Hubert was seated beside a small round table, overlooking the rear of the property. He’d lost an awful lot of weight and his face was pale and drawn.
Seb marched over and shook his brother’s hand. He pulled out the chair opposite and sat.
‘I can already see from looking at you that you’re struggling. Why don’t you tell me about it?’
‘There’s no point.’ Hubert turned his head and stared out of the window.
‘There’s every point. Surely you don’t enjoy being like this.’
‘What’s enjoyment got to do with it?’
‘Hubert, listen to me. I’m no expert but it’s obvious you’re not well. I don’t mean physically sick. This is a mental health issue. There’s nothing to be ashamed of, it happens to one in five people at some time in their lives.’
‘How do you know?’ his brother asked, for the first time actually looking directly at Seb.
‘I read it. Speak to me. Help me understand what you’re going through.’
‘Okay, I’ll tell you. Day-to-day living is hard. Too hard. I can’t be bothered doing anything at all. All I want to do is sit and stare out of the window. At times, even that’s too much effort.’
Hubert talking like this to Seb was a complete role reversal of how their relationship had been in the past. His older brother had always taken the lead, and Seb had allowed him to. But now …
‘Is Virginia concerned by your condition?’
‘We haven’t discussed it. She doesn’t realise the extent of how I feel. It’s not something I wish to share. Some days are better than others and I manage to be more acti
ve. At least, I do when I’m at home. Being here is easier, as I don’t have to do a thing.’
‘But she must have noticed your weight loss.’
‘She was aware that I’d been trying to lose a few pounds.’
‘This is more than a few pounds.’
Hubert shrugged. ‘Yes, I suppose it is.’
‘If you’ve managed to talk to me about it, you can speak to Virginia. It will help.’
‘No. I don’t wish to. I don’t know until I wake up in the morning what the day’s going to be like. Today isn’t a good one.’
‘Hubert, you need to visit the doctor and explain what’s happening.’
‘And admit that I can’t cope? No. That’s not the way we do things in this family.’
‘Now you sound like Father and his outdated ways. Times have changed, there’s no need to be embarrassed and hide your feelings. There’s no stigma attached to mental illness. You’re not unusual. It’s something that can be dealt with, by medication, counselling, or both. Please seek some help.’
‘It’s easy for you to say. I can’t be viewed as weak, not with the weight of being the future Viscount Worthington on my shoulders. You don’t have that to worry about.’
Thank goodness.
‘No, I don’t. But I have other pressures. Everyone does. And sometimes these pressures get to the point where people find it’s necessary to seek outside help.’
‘You make it sound easy, but it isn’t.’
‘Take it one step at a time. Why don’t you go back home to the Estate and speak to Virginia? Make an appointment with the family GP. Or find another one if you don’t wish to speak to them, and they can refer you on to someone who can help.’
Hubert clenched and unclenched his fists, as they rested on the table.
Would he agree?
‘I can’t leave because I’m meant to be going to the Savoy with Father tonight,’ he finally said.
‘Why do you think I’m here? Mother and Father asked me here to go to the event instead of you. Didn’t they say?’
Hubert turned away from Seb, instead staring out of the window. ‘I don’t know, they may have done. I can’t remember. I block out much of what they say to me. In particular, Father. I don’t want to hear him trying to persuade me to keep a stiff upper lip and be stoical. I’m happier being left alone, where no one can bother me. Do you understand?’ He turned back and Seb grimaced at the pain he witnessed in his brother’s eyes.