by J J Marsh
“Of course. Let’s do it.”
A knock at the door preceded the entrance of the police woman who had taken charge of their luggage.
“This is my colleague, Officer Halme. Could we begin? I will need to speak to you individually. Ms Stubbs, would you wait outside when I speak to Mr Wolfe?”
“Yes of course. I’ll go and get some breakfast.” She kissed Theo’s cheek and squeezed his hand. “I’m going to be the first to say this before you get tired of hearing it. You, Theo Wolfe, are a bloody hero.”
Theo shook his head, his eyes staring at the bed sheet.
“And what’s more,” added Beatrice. “I have excellent taste in assistants. Back in a bit.”
She left the room, casting a snotty look at Sahlberg, and went in search of the canteen.
It was an uncomfortable feeling being on the other side of the table, even though it wasn’t a police interrogation room, but a corner of the nurses’ station. While she answered all Sahlberg’s questions as truthfully as she could, she knew exactly how the detective was watching her for nervous tics with all the intensity of a poker player. Just as she would have done if she were in his shoes. When he finished testing all aspects of her story, he escorted her to the waiting room and reunited her with Theo.
The patient was now showered and dressed but all semblance of normality fell away when he stood up, pain contorting his face. Beatrice offered him her hand. He took it and gave her a reassuring squeeze.
“I’m all right. Really. You should have seen the state of me after the London Marathon.”
Officer Halme materialised at his side with their luggage and a wheelchair. She quelled Theo’s resistance with a brisk shake of her head. “The doctor discharges you on the condition you use a chair. Please, Mr Wolfe. Think how much easier boarding your flight will be. This way, it’s better for all of us.”
The slight blush in the woman’s cheeks did not escape Beatrice’s notice. Women simply fell at Theo’s feet. How was it possible he was still single?
He capitulated and allowed the officer to guide him into the chair. Halme took the suitcases, Sahlberg steered Theo’s chair and Beatrice was left to trot alongside. They were waiting for the lift when a female voice called out.
“Theo! Wait!”
They turned to see another wheelchair speeding in their direction, propelled by a large blonde Goth. In the chair sat a skinny little wraith wrapped in blankets. The police officers tensed and both adopted an alert stance. The Goth skidded to a halt right in front of Theo, her eyes shining.
“Valpuri wants to say thank you,” she said.
Beatrice’s jaw dropped as she realised the scrawny creature in the wheelchair was one of the reasons that brought her to Finland. Valpuri Peura, if not exactly in the best of health, was alive and sitting right in front of them. Her appearance was wretched, gaunt and bruised, exacerbated by tears streaming down her cheeks as she stared at Theo. She blinked and swallowed but could not seem to express words. The Goth girl, who fitted Theo’s description of Tuula, reversed and manoeuvred so the two chairs sat side by side. The lift doors opened and closed, but no one moved.
Valpuri swiped at her face with both hands and attempted to speak. She only managed one word.
“You ...”
Her face collapsed and her chest heaved. Tuula placed both hands on her shoulders.
To Beatrice’s astonishment, Theo was crying too. He twisted sideways and reached out to hold the girl, who wrapped her arms around him in a fierce embrace. Moments passed while they hugged each other. In a subtle move, Beatrice withdrew a packet of tissues from her pocket and handed one to Tuula and another to Officer Halme. She even offered one to Sahlberg, who refused but with a gentle smile. Moments passed and the lift opened again, releasing nurses with an empty trolley bed.
Theo broke the embrace and gave Beatrice a red-eyed signal. She hit the button to hold the lift. They shuffled into the elevator and Tuula and Valpuri’s gazes stayed on them until the doors closed.
No one spoke on the descent to the ground floor. Sahlberg and Theo were behind Officer Halme and Beatrice, who both faced the door. A ping announced their arrival and the doors peeled back. Standing outside was a huge man with a blond ponytail. They stared at each other for a frozen second, then Beatrice recovered herself.
She pointed at the man. “There he is!” she yelled, at the same time Officer Halme shouted something in Finnish.
The big man took off across the hospital foyer, covering the distance at considerable speed, Sahlberg and Halme hot on his heels. People stared at the pursuit, simply standing back out of the way. Sahlberg shouted something and withdrew his weapon. Just then, two orderlies ran into the fleeing man’s path, tackling him around the legs and neck. He ejected the one from his back but the leg-tackler toppled him off balance, bringing him to the tiled floor with a painful crash.
By the time Beatrice had wheeled Theo close enough to see past the crowd, the police had got the man in cuffs and were heaving him to his feet. The captured giant didn’t say a word but looked around the crowd until he spotted Beatrice. He stared at her until two more officers took him outside and eased him into a patrol car.
Sahlberg came over to join them. “That was the man who was following you?” he asked.
“Yes. The one who was in my room. I’m 100% sure.”
“Officer Halme will escort him to the police station and later today, he and I are going to have a very interesting conversation.”
“What was he doing here?” asked Theo.
Sahlberg collected the cases and led them outside. “I can’t say for sure, but it seems he was following Ms Stubbs. It’s a very good thing that I can make sure you get safely to the airport.”
Beatrice had to agree.
Chapter 40
What better reception committee than DI William Quinn? Practical and understanding, he took control of the wheelchair at Heathrow Arrivals Hall and in under half an hour, bundled them both into Gabriel’s Land Rover. The rear had been converted into a comfortable double bed with the use of yoga mats, a duvet, fresh pillows and a flask of tea. Theo allowed Will to pick him up and carry him inside without a single complaint. Will secured the cases onto the roof rack and they headed down the M4.
“The flight was right on time, I see,” he observed. “Just like yesterday’s.”
She shot him a wary look.
“Don’t worry, we haven’t told anyone else it wasn’t cancelled by the storm.”
She waited until they had passed Heston Services and checked Theo was asleep before she asked the inevitable question. “How much trouble am I in?”
Will shot her a quick half-smile and returned his attention to the road. “You’ll have to do a whole lot of penance for this one. Blame the storm for the delay and make a whole lot of effort with Tanya. She’s hurt, Beatrice, and you have to take responsibility for that. The best way of pouring oil on troubled waters is to play up your success. You found those kids and saved two lives.”
“I didn’t. That was all Theo.”
Will exhaled sharply. “Award the badges some other time. Concentrate on what’s important to Tanya, Gabriel, Luke and Matthew. Seriously, Beatrice, you must pay attention to the family and notice the details. Nothing is more important.”
Chastened, Beatrice said nothing for several miles.
“I’m sorry. I know you’re not asking for an apology, but I apologise anyway. Catinca and Adrian will yell and shout and shame me, and I am prepared for that. The ones I really feel I’ve disappointed are Tanya and Gabriel. I’ll do everything I can to make up for my absence.”
Will gave her a strange look. “Don’t compensate for your absence, Beatrice. Instead, be present. As coppers, we’re trained to observe, read between the lines and work out what’s going on. You can’t do that when you’re not there. Your family and your friends depend on you. I know this will hurt you and I’m sorry I have to say it. Frankly, you’re letting them down. Stop being selective
and self-indulgent. Let other people sort out their own problems. Direct your intelligence where it’s most effective. Be present.”
She had no answer to that.
“Do you mind if I listen to the news?” Will asked. “Just want to catch up on the football scores. You can have a nap if you like. I’ll make sure we’ll make it to the wedding rehearsal by six.”
Beatrice turned her face to the window, wearied to her bones by yet another confrontation with reality. “Of course you can listen to the news or the football or whatever you like. I’m going to rest my eyes for a few minutes.”
She closed her eyes and girded herself to commence battle with her most fearful opponent.
Voices woke her from a light doze. Or at least she thought it had been light, until she saw signs for Upton St Nicholas. Apparently she had been asleep for over three hours. She rubbed her hands over her face and straightened. Theo was sitting cross-legged behind their seats, a blanket over his shoulders and a cup of tea between his hands.
“And she’s back in the room,” said Theo. “Do you want some tea? I saved you a cup.”
She stretched her arms to the roof of the Land Rover and yawned. “We’re almost home now. I’ll wait for a fresh brew with Matthew. How are you feeling?”
“Better. I was just saying to Will, I think I might skip the wedding rehearsal tonight so I’ll be fit for the ceremony tomorrow.”
“Good idea. I’m sure we have something wholesome and restorative in the fridge. Then while we are out, you can kick back and relax on the sofa.”
Theo didn’t respond for a second and Will’s voice filled the gap. “No need for that. We booked Theo a room at The Angel. That way, he can join us if he feels like it, or stay in his room if he doesn’t. You and Matthew should have some time alone. I’ll drop you off and take Theo to the pub.”
Beatrice looked at her watch. “If that suits you, Theo, it’s fine with me. We only have an hour and a half before we are supposed to be at rehearsal. Will, you’re incredibly good to come and fetch us and deal with all the fallout while I was gone. You’re the calm before the storm. I fully expect to get a severe tongue lashing from Adrian and Catinca. Worst of all, I’m dreading what Tanya has to say.”
Will pulled up onto the little forecourt in front of the cottage and got out to unstrap Beatrice’s case. Before Beatrice could undo her seatbelt, Theo placed a hand on her shoulder.
“Can you not tell anyone what happened? Not yet. I need time to process this.”
“Oh. If you want. But people really should know what a heroic thing you did.”
To her surprise, Theo shook his head. “I’m no hero. Don’t ask me why ’cos I can’t talk about it. Just don’t tell anyone. Make out we helped the police. OK?”
“If that’s what you want. You take care and I’ll see you later.” She patted his hand.
Matthew opened the door and Huggy Bear hared out to meet them, bouncing on her back legs, tail wagging. Beatrice made a fuss of the dog and embraced Matthew. Will took her suitcase into the hallway, gave her a hug and got back in the vehicle. She blew a kiss at Theo as the vehicle crunched back into the lane.
She faced Matthew once again, relieved to see his smile. “We need to talk, but perhaps tomorrow. I’m cutting it fine, I know that. Are you all right? Are you prepared?”
“It’s good to see you, Old Thing. We are all in fine form, thanks to William Quinn. He’s been an absolute brick, you know. Shall we have a pot of tea before bedecking ourselves in all our finery?” He picked up her suitcase and took it up the stairs.
“Good plan. I’ll put the kettle on. Do we have to do get all gussied up this evening? It’s only a rehearsal and a pub dinner.” Dumpling prowled into the hallway, wound himself around Beatrice’s legs and led her into the kitchen. She followed, to find Huggy Bear sitting in her basket next to the Aga, gnawing on a chew. She boiled the kettle, made the tea and sat sifting through her post while she waited for Matthew to return. After a while, she stood up and cocked her head to listen. What earth was he doing up there?
She checked his office and the living room, then trudged up the stairs to see if he had answered a call of nature. When she got to the landing, Matthew was standing there, her suitcase at his feet.
“Matthew? What is it?”
His head rotated slowly to face her. “Which room?” he asked. “Where should put this bag?” He indicated the suitcase with an expression of complete bewilderment.
She looked into his eyes, wondering if this was some sort of passive aggressive rebuke. But Matthew didn’t do passive aggressive and not much in the way of rebukes. “It’s my bag so it belongs in our room. Where else?” She pointed at the door of their bedroom, took the case and shoved it just inside the door. “Come downstairs now, your tea is getting cold.”
“Righty ho. Nothing worse than cold tea.”
The car park of The Angel was crowded so Matthew parked the Volkswagen on the other side of the village green. As Beatrice got out of the car, she could already see the marquee was filled with people, most of whom would be absolutely furious with her. She hesitated, fighting the urge to get back in the car and run away. Matthew scooped up her hand and pulled her towards him, placing a kiss on her cheek.
“I’m jolly glad you made it,” he said. “Will and Adrian have been absolutely marvellous but I really don’t think I could do this on my own.”
Beatrice squeezed his hand and pressed her head against his shoulder. “Come on, Prof, let’s face the music.” They made their way over a wooden walkway towards the marquee, hand in hand, admiring the solar powered lights guiding their path. The entrance was framed by an archway of greenery and they paused, ostensibly to admire the florist’s skill, but more realistically to gather their strength. She looked up at Matthew and was about to quote Julius Caesar when a small boy hurtled across the parquet floor and launched himself at Beatrice.
Luke’s arms encircled her waist and administered a crushing hug. “Beatrice! Where have you been? Hello, Granddad. Didn’t you bring Huggy Bear? They said you were trapped in a storm in Finland and it was really dangerous. Where is Theo? You know Will’s been helping me and Granddad with our speech. I can’t tell you what it’s about, because it has to be a surprise, but I promise you it’s gonna be really, really good. Not even Mum knows what we going to say, do you, Mum?”
Beatrice looked up to see Tanya approaching, her face unreadable. It seemed all activity in the marquee ceased and every head turned in their direction.
She held out her arms and Beatrice enfolded her into a hug. Neither spoke for a moment until Tanya whispered, “I’m so glad you’re home.” Then she released her and placed her hands on her hips. “About bloody time!”
“Mum!” Luke gasped. “You swore!”
“Sorry about that but she deserves it. Right, woman, get into position. Dad, you’re over here with me. Luke, what are you doing? You can’t sit with Beatrice. You know why, the best man has to be at the front. Go stand by Gabe, like a good boy. Marianne, round up the bridesmaids, will you? Mum, leave those decorations alone or I swear I’ll set Catinca on you.”
When the rehearsal party entered the function room at The Angel, it was filled with the scent of flowers, all prepared for tomorrow’s reception. Beatrice found herself taking huge inhalations as she took her seat at the table. She made sure to greet all those she had so far missed and wedged herself between Adrian and Catinca. She pacified Luke with a place directly opposite her. Adrian announced their plans to holiday in Devon for the following week and Beatrice promptly invited them to dinner on Tuesday.
The party ate mushroom risotto with olive ciabatta and drank a light Pinot Noir. Tanya was taking no chances with stomach upsets before the big day. Catinca and Adrian satisfied themselves with her apologies and did not subject her to a lecture. Just as dessert – ginger and pear sorbet – was served, the door opened and Theo limped in. Reactions to his arrival were positive, but not the standing ovation of a returning hero. Que
stions as to his physical state were easily deflected by Beatrice’s vague statement that he’d been ‘overdoing’ it. He gave her a grateful smile. Catinca found him a chair next to her. He joined in the dessert, refused the wine and ingratiated himself with Adrian by admiring his shirt.
Beatrice left her place to mingle with the other guests. She shared a joke with Pam about escaping the hen night, chatted to Gabriel and his mother, complimented Marianne on the results of her diet and eavesdropped on Matthew’s conversation with Gordon, the landlord. At ten o’clock, people started making moves to leave. She said her goodbyes, passed Theo talking to Marianne and gave him an extra squeeze on his shoulder on the way out. Tanya stayed behind to say one last farewell to Gabriel and then joined her, Matthew and Luke to walk back to the cottage.
Tanya sniffed. “Next time I see him will be when I walk up the aisle. I can’t believe this is finally happening. Me, getting married!” She linked arms with Beatrice. “I’m so happy I could float off like a balloon,” she said, looking up at the night sky glittering with stars.
“Very traditional of you to spend the night before apart, but I’m glad because you’ll be with us,” said Matthew, trudging ahead, holding Luke’s hand.
“You say that now, but wait till the chaos descends in the morning, Dad. You’ll wish you were well out of it.”
“Me and Granddad will be well out of it. We’re going to get ready at our house.”
Matthew chuckled. “Quite right, Small Fry.”
Chapter 41
Dear Beatrice
Thank you for sending your invoice. I have now made payment in full and added a little extra as a personal thank you.
Firstly, to your assistant. To put himself at risk like that was an extraordinary act of courage and those two young people owe him their lives. I visited them both today and am happy to say they are recovering well. What a gift it is to be young!