by M A Comley
“Not yet, love. I’m sure I’ll hear by the end of the week.”
Sally linked arms and ventured into her mother’s sacred domain the kitchen. “Can I help with anything, Mum?”
“Hello, dear. I’m fine. Your father has already laid the table.” Her mother wiped a hand across her eyes.
Sally winked at her father and motioned for him to leave them alone. He nodded and called Dex into the back garden.
Sally’s mother glanced her way. Seeing the redness around her mother’s eyes upset Sally. “Mum, what’s wrong?”
“I don’t know, love. I keep bursting into tears when I least expect it.”
Sally took the wooden spoon from her mother’s hand and directed her over to the kitchen table. “Mum, sit there. I’ll finish the dinner.”
“No, that’s not fair. You’ve been out at work all day. I’ll be fine, love.”
“Come on. What’s really going on, Mum? You can confide in me. Are you and Dad having marital problems?” She stirred the gravy as it came to a boil. Her mother’s silence made her turn her head sharply. “Mum?”
Her mother had pulled a tissue from the nearby box and was wiping fresh tears from her eyes. “It’s really nothing to worry about. We’re fine, in our own way.”
Sally switched off the gas beneath the vegetables and marched across the room. She sat next to her mother and clasped her hands between her own. “You can’t say that and expect me not to ask what you mean, Mum. Are you having marriage problems? Is it the debt situation?”
“No, that’s sorted now, thanks to your generous gesture.” Her mother waved a hand in front of her. “Just ignore me. I’m feeling emotional, and I have no idea why.”
“Is it the menopause? Maybe your body has got used to the tablets you’re on. Perhaps you need to visit the doc’s to get a check-up. Do you want me to come with you?”
“Men have no idea what we bloody have to contend with, do they? I get a sudden whoosh go right through me, as if a cauldron has been set alight in my stomach, and it erupts throughout my body. I can’t describe the feeling any better than that. I hope you never have to go through it, darling.”
“That’s terrible, Mum. Maybe you should try and pinpoint when these sudden rushes come on. I read an article the other month about some studies scientists have conducted recently about the effects of caffeine on a menopausal woman. I’ll see if I can find it for you to read. Take it to the doc’s with you and get his opinion on the report.”
“Perhaps I’ll limit my intake for a week or so, just to see if there’s any truth in it. All I can say is that when these surges strike, God help you and your father if you’re within reach. I’m warning you now—I’m not totally in control of my faculties when they occur. Take cover. Maybe you both should consider wearing tin hats for your own protection.”
Sally leaned over and kissed her mother’s cheek, noticing the heat beneath her lips when she brushed her mother’s skin. “You’re burning up, Mum. I’m going to call the doc’s first thing, get you an appointment. It’ll probably be a couple of weeks before he can fit you in anyway.”
“I’ll make the call; I promise. You have enough on your plate as it is, love. How’s the case going?”
“Cases! They’re going. I found out today that the first victim who died was pregnant.”
Her mother gasped and covered her mouth. Clasping her hands together on the table once more, she said, “Just goes to show that there’s always someone worse off than yourself, doesn’t it? I must stop wallowing in self-pity. I have a loving husband and a beautiful, talented daughter. What more could a person want in life?”
“I thought the same thing, Mum. Apparently, this young lady had everything to live for. Now she’s going to be six feet under in a matter of days. Life’s so unfair. It should be a lesson to us all to live life to the full and to always be grateful for the hand we’ve been dealt. I know that I’ve changed my perception on life since dumping Darryl, and I have to say, I feel a whole lot better for doing that, too.”
“You’re remarkable. I’m in awe of the way you handled that situation. I’m not sure how I would have coped if I were confronted with the same horrendous ordeal you had to go through. Let’s hope the judge is female and comes down on your side in the trial, love.”
“I really don’t want to think about that now. We’ll find out soon enough. Hey, I’m starving. Is that dinner ready yet?” Sally smiled and placed a hand on her mother’s cheek. “I love you, Mum. Don’t ever change. So what if the menopause makes you fly off the handle now and again? It won’t make Dad or me feel any differently towards you. Just give us fair warning, and we’ll all survive to live another day.”
“I love you, too, sweetheart. I couldn’t wish for a lovelier daughter. And yes, dinner is ready to be served up now. Do you want to help?”
They left the table, their arms wrapped around each other’s waist, as the back door opened. Her father was waving a white hanky tied to a garden cane. “Is it safe for us men to come in now?” he asked, referring to himself and Dex.
Sally and her mother burst into laughter. “I think that’s acceptable. Don’t you, Mum?”
“For now. Make the most of it. Not sure when Vesuvius will erupt again. I’m sorry for having a go at you, Christopher.”
Her father joined them and placed his arms around them both. “Group hug. No need to apologise, Janine. I love you all the same.”
Sally smiled lovingly at her parents, and a pang of envy tugged at her heart when she realised she would never experience the true companionship her parents shared because of the scars one man had left on her life. Damn you, Darryl Parker. I hope the judge locks you up for years for the heartache you’ve triggered within me. Shame on you and all the other men in this world who refuse to treat women as their equals.
After dinner and all the clearing up was completed, Sally made good on her promise to take Dex for a walk down by the river, before it grew dark. She watched the golden-haired lab bounding through the long grass, stalking the birds, and barking at them as they took flight. Life was good when she was out with her treasured friend. Her mobile rang. She took the phone out of her pocket and groaned. “Hi, Jack. You beat me to it; I was about to ring you. How’s Teresa doing?”
“Hi, Sally. Well, she’s delivered the baby—it’s a girl, by the way—but there are complications with the little one.”
“Oh, sweetie, I’m so sorry to hear that. Is it because of the baby’s size?”
“Partially, plus they think she has a heart defect. They’re going to carry out further tests in the next few days. After all the turmoil we’ve been through over the last few months, it looks like it will all be in vain if the little mite doesn’t pull through.”
She could hear the tremor in her partner’s voice. “Hey, Bullet, don’t you dare give up on that girl. Think positive. They’re stronger than people give them credit for at times—even I know that. Hang in there. Promise me?”
“I will. But the doc has told us not to raise our hopes. If I think positive, it’s only going to make it a darn sight worse when the day comes to say goodbye to the little one, won’t it?”
“Bloody hell! I’m sorry, Jack. Hey, the doc might be wrong. Don’t write her off just yet. How’s Teresa feeling?”
“Sore. She won’t stop crying, which is understandable. Her mother’s reacting very much the same way. I feel a right shit not joining them.”
“Don’t be daft. I can hear how upset you are. They’ll realise how inadequate you feel, I’m sure. They probably appreciate your strength not to break down right now. Don’t be too despondent, matey.”
“Thanks, boss. You’ve hit the nail on the head, it’s the feeling of inadequacy that’s hard to handle. Needless to say, I’d like to take the day off tomorrow, if that’s okay?”
“Of course. Take all the time you need. I’ll drop by the chief’s office tomorrow to let him know. Give my love to the girls. Ring me with any developments, you hear me? Take c
are.”
“Will do. Thanks, Sally.”
She hung up and called Dex. Dropping to her knees, she cuddled and kissed the dog on the head. “I’m so glad I have you, boy. Come on, let’s go home before it gets dark.” She placed the slip leash over his head, and they walked back to the house just as nightfall descended.
CHAPTER TEN
Sally smiled when she heard her mother singing as she prepared breakfast for them all the following morning. “You sound much happier, Mum. You’re challenging the birds with that beautiful dawn chorus.” She kissed her mother on the cheek and let Dex out the back door.
“Maybe there’s some truth in that old adage about a problem shared, after all, darling. I can’t thank you enough for the support you’ve shown me over my menopause. Not everyone would be as understanding as you and your father. I’m blessed to have you both in my life.”
Sally sniggered and poured them all a cup of tea. “Just remember that the next time the urge to attack us with a frying pan takes your fancy, okay?”
“I’ll do that, dear. The menopause is loathsome! If I could suck all my productive bits out, I would!”
“Mum! You are funny.”
Her mother studied her with a perturbed expression. “Are you mocking me, child?”
“Don’t be silly. I bet thousands of women in your situation feel the same.”
Her mother smiled and touched Sally’s face gently. “You’re one in a million, daughter of mine… one in a million. Do you have time for scrambled eggs on toast?”
“Try and stop me, as long as I can have it with lashings of ketchup. I can’t eat eggs without disguising them. You know that.”
“That peculiarity of yours has never wavered over the years.”
Her father entered the kitchen and pecked them both on the cheek. “How are my two favourite girls this morning?”
“Full of the joys of spring, except it’s the middle of September. Work that one out, Dad.” Sally chortled.
“That’s good to hear. I could eat two horses this morning, Janine. What’s on the menu, love?”
Her mother chuckled. “The things that come out of a chicken’s bum. Will that do you?”
Sally laughed at her father’s shocked expression and sought out the cutlery to lay the breakfast table.
Her father let out a huff. “I’m beginning to regret asking. Yuck! What a bloody image that just conjured up.”
It was wonderful to share a pleasant, angst-free breakfast with her parents before she said farewell to them and set off for the station.
When she pushed open the doors to the incident room, Sally found the rest of the team already busy at their desks. She glanced up at the clock on the wall to see it was only five minutes to eight. Her chest puffed out with pride for her team’s willingness to attack their day before their shift began. “You guys rock… just saying.”
“You set a good example… just saying.” Joanna smiled. She looked up from her computer, and her face turned serious. “Any news on Jack’s daughter, boss?”
“I’m sure he won’t mind you guys knowing. The news isn’t good, I’m afraid. The little mite has a desperate fight ahead of her. She was born with a heart defect. Needless to say, Jack will be absent for a few days. That reminds me—I need to make the chief aware of the situation first thing. Anything useful turn up from the TV appeal aired last night?”
“A few things. Mainly to do with the second attack. I’ll make some notes and let you have them in a couple of minutes, boss,” Joanna said.
“Sounds positive. Okay, I’ll be right back.” Sally inhaled a few calming breaths as she walked along the corridor to the chief’s office. DCI Green’s secretary was busy putting filter paper in the coffee machine when she walked in the office. “Fresh coffee—you can’t beat it, Lyn, can you? Is he in?”
“He is, and no, you can’t beat fresh coffee. The smell perks me up instantly when the machine starts churning early in the morning. Have you seen Joan recently?”
Sally smiled as her previous chief’s warm features filled her mind. Joan Cradley had retired from the force almost two years before, and DCI Mick Green had filled her shoes less than adequately in Sally’s mind. But then, to be fair, Sally could have been biased, as she and Joan had become firm friends over the years. Being a high-ranking female copper in a man’s world always took its toll, though. In the end, the stress of the job had culminated in Joan bowing out and taking retirement in her early fifties. Since then, Sally had remained in contact with Joan and had visited her on a few occasions in her new home out in the sticks, tucked away from all civilian life. One of Sally’s other female copper friends, Lorne Warner, had gone down the same route at an early age. Although, in Lorne’s case, her calling to be a copper had drawn her back into the Met soon after she’d opted to take early retirement. The force was in her blood, and Sally totally comprehended that sentiment. She had no idea what she would do if ever she were forced to leave her beloved Norfolk Constabulary. Sally shook the thought from her head and replied, “Sorry. Drifted off then for a second, envious of Joan’s life in her tranquil setting. I haven’t spoken to her for about a month. You?”
“I rang her at the weekend. She’s deliriously happy about having yet another granddaughter to coo over.”
“How wonderful. Is it really nine months since she told us about that? I hate the way time is passing us by so quickly.”
“I was amazed by the announcement, too. She asked after you, specifically about the court case. That’s coming up soon, isn’t it?”
Sally’s mouth twisted. “Did you have to remind me? Two weeks, to be honest. The nerves are beginning to jangle a little. It’s one thing bringing the bastard to court; it’s another thing having to face him in the dock, his eyes eating into your flesh. Oops, that’s a tad melodramatic.”
“Will you take someone with you on the day for moral support? I’ll volunteer if you need someone to hold your hand, Sally.”
“That’s kind of you, Lyn. I think—I hope—Mum and Dad will be there with me.”
The chief’s office door opened, and he looked daggers at both of them. “Could we possibly leave the gossiping until lunchtime, ladies? I have a huge pile of correspondences I need to get my head around first thing. That’s a little difficult with you nattering away out here.”
Sally winked at Lyn, whose cheeks had flared up. “My fault, sir. Do you have five minutes?”
He pushed open the door and stepped back for Sally to join him. He closed the door behind them, marched past her, and reclaimed his seat behind his large mahogany desk. “What’s this in connection with, Inspector?”
“I wanted to let you know that I’ve given my partner permission to take a few days off, sir.”
His brow wrinkled heavily. “In the middle of a big case? Is that wise?”
“No, but a necessity all the same, sir. His daughter has just given birth to his first grandchild, and it’s touch and go whether the baby makes it.” His brow relaxed, and he reclined in his chair, linking his hands together on the desk. “Compassion won through in the end, sir.”
“I understand. Well, I hope the baby survives. That must be a horrendous situation to contend with. How is the case proceeding?”
Sally was tempted to shake her head in disgust at the way the chief appeared to change the subject so quickly. Instead, she relented and sighed heavily. “Well, I’m just about to go through the calls we’ve received from the appeal that went out last night. I’ve interviewed a few people concerning the first crime, the murder, and I have to say, although I have one or two suspects in mind, we have no evidence as such to fling at the suspects as yet. However, the pathologist rang me yesterday to say the victim was four weeks pregnant, and I also learned that she had an affair with her brother-in-law.”
“I see. So, that’s clearly the motive.”
“I’d rather get the DNA evidence to back up any accusations, sir. I should have that on my desk either today or tomorrow. It’s certainl
y a step forward in the investigation and one that could possibly lead in either of two directions.”
“How so?”
“Either the husband or his brother could be the murderer. At least, that’s my line of thinking after contemplating the case throughout the night.”
“You make a valid point, Inspector. So if the DNA evidence regarding the foetus comes back as unexpected, I take it you’ll be arresting the brother-in-law.”
“I’ll certainly be instructing him to come in for further questioning. Not sure I’m ready to go out on a limb and arrest him for simply fathering an unborn child, sir.”
“Nonsense, Inspector. That’s a motive right there—he’s killed her in order to prevent her from telling everyone about their affair.”
“I understand where you’re coming from, sir, but the husband might have found out she was playing away from home. If so, there’s every possibility that he killed his wife in a violent rage. By what I can gather, the marriage was in jeopardy.”
“Ah, well, that certainly throws a different light on things. I totally understand your dilemma. Let’s hope the DNA helps to make things a lot clearer for you. What if the DNA belongs to neither of these men?”
Sally’s eyes widened. “Crap, I never really thought about that, sir. That would make the investigation spin out of control, upside down, and on its head. I’d rather not think about that now. I better get on with the investigation, sir. I just dropped by to inform you of Jack’s predicament.”
“Very well. Do you have a suitable replacement for him within your team?”
“Oh yes, sir, any member of my team is capable of stepping up to the plate. They wouldn’t totally fill the void, but I reckon eighty percent would be covered.”
“Glad to hear it, that’s as it should be. Keep me informed of your progress as usual, Inspector.”
“I will, sir.”
Sally walked out of the office and rested against the closed door. She exhaled a large breath as her heart rate recovered to near normal. Leaning forward, she whispered, “Why do I always feel as if I’ve been placed on the naughty step every time I enter this room?”