Meadows took another glug of tea. ‘Do you think that Natalie would hurt Ella? You obviously think that she’s an unfit mother.’
‘No, I can’t see that she would hurt her, but look what happened last night. She left the front door open. I think she needs help. She works all hours. I think it’s more to get out of looking after Ella than the money. She doesn’t have anything to show for it. She’s always skint and asking Mum for money. Maybe if Ryan was off the scene, she would get her act together.’
‘Are you saying that before Ryan came on the scene she was doing alright?’
‘That one was never alright,’ Andy said.
‘She’s always liked to enjoy herself and be centre of attention. I don’t know, if she had stayed with Dylan then maybe she would’ve settled down.’ Nia turned to the stove and switched off the heat.
‘Have you ever seen Ryan be violent towards Natalie or Ella?’
‘No, but I’ve been there when he’s looking after Ella, stoned and…’
‘And?’
‘Nothing, he just gives me the creeps.’
‘So, you would be happier if Ella had been removed from Natalie’s care?’ Meadows asked.
‘If I’m honest, yes. She’d be better off with Dylan.’ Nia carried the saucepan to the sink and drained the potatoes.
‘Do you support Dylan’s application for custody?’
‘Yes. Nat could still see her, maybe it would give her an incentive to clean up her act. At least Ella would’ve been safe with her father.’
Another thought struck Meadows. ‘Does Natalie know about Dylan’s intention to apply for custody?’
‘No, I don’t think so.’
‘But if she did, do you think she would try and hide Ella somewhere? Maybe she’s frightened of losing her child.’
‘She hasn’t got the brains to pull off something like that,’ Nia scoffed. ‘Anyway, where would she hide her? I’m sure she doesn’t know about the custody application otherwise she would’ve been out to cause trouble for Dylan.’
‘What sort of trouble?’ Edris asked.
‘Lies. She’d make something up. She told my mother that Dylan wasn’t paying child support and that’s why she didn’t have any money. Dylan showed me the attachment of earnings on his wage slip. I’m sure she’d think of something to stop Dylan getting custody, just to be spiteful.’
‘Do you think that Dylan would take matters into his own hands?’
‘No,’ Andy said. ‘He wouldn’t put the family through that, especially Nia’s mother, and what would he gain?’
‘We’re going to have to talk to your mother at some stage,’ Edris said.
‘I know, I’ve told her what’s going on, but I’d prefer it if I was there when you visit her, just in case she gets upset.’
‘That’s fine.’ Meadows drank down the last of his tea and stood. ‘We’ll leave you to get on but before we go, could you tell us where you both were last night and the early hours of this morning?’
‘What? You can’t seriously think I would take my own niece.’ Nia’s nostrils flared.
‘They have to ask, love,’ Andy said.
‘I told you, I went over to Nat’s around ten, dropped the washing off and came straight home. I had a cup of tea, read for half hour and went to bed.’
‘It was about ten thirty when we went up,’ Andy said. ‘We got up at seven. I went to work.’
‘I took the girls to school and went into work, you can check the house if you like. She’s not here,’ Nia said.
‘Why don’t I show you around,’ Andy offered. ‘You can check it off your list.’
‘Thank you.’ Meadows nodded to Edris who followed Andy out of the kitchen.
‘Who’s the oldest out of you girls?’ Meadows asked.
‘Me, then Leanne, Nat’s the youngest.’ Nia took a masher and began pounding the potatoes.
‘Did you get along when you were growing up?’
‘I guess. We argued like all sisters do but nothing major. Nat was always a handful but got away with things because she was the baby of the family. After Dad died her behaviour got worse.’
‘What happened to your father?’
‘He died in a car crash. Nat was thirteen. She wallowed in it. Started drinking, smoking, and hanging around older boys. She blamed it all on the grief, but we all lost our father.’
‘Does Leanne get along with Natalie?’
‘They’re not especially close.’
‘Leanne also contacted social services.’
‘Yes, when she was over at Christmas time she went to visit Natalie and Ella. Natalie had those friends over and they were all drunk. Leanne was appalled with the state of the place, she was in tears when she got back here. She said Ella’s cot blankets were dirty.’
‘I’m going to have to talk to her.’
Nia stopped mashing and pulled a pen and paper from one of the drawers. She scribbled down a number and handed the paper to Meadows.
‘I don’t think she will be able to tell you much more than I have.’
‘Well, thank you for your time,’ Meadows said.
Andy returned with Edris and walked them to the front door.
‘She’s really worried,’ he said. ‘I know she comes across as being hard on Natalie, but she only wants what’s best for her and Ella. It’s been hard for her since her mum got ill and I guess she feels that she is responsible for the family.’
‘I understand,’ Meadows said, ‘families can be difficult.’
* * *
‘They seem like a nice family,’ Edris said as they walked to the car.
‘Yes, on the surface, but what lies beneath?’
‘You think they have something to do with it?’
‘There’s obviously a lot of friction between the sisters and she sides with Dylan. Then there was the other car that George saw parked outside last night. Would Nia go to her sister if she was in trouble?’
‘And cover for her?’ Edris looked doubtful.
‘No, I don’t think she would keep quiet if Natalie had hurt Ella, especially if Ryan was involved. I’m just trying to think of all the scenarios. Nia would only be involved if she knew Ella was safe. She could’ve helped Dylan get Ella out of the house but I don’t think that’s the case.’
‘Then that leaves us with Ryan,’ Edris said.
‘Yes, I think it’s time we paid him a visit.’
Chapter Eight
‘It’s number two hundred and sixty-three.’
Meadows grabbed a handful of chips from Edris’ packet.
‘That one.’ Edris pointed to the middle-terraced house with a sausage before taking a bite.
Meadows pulled over and stuffed a few more chips in his mouth.
‘You should’ve got your own,’ Edris said as he picked at the last morsels from the packet.
Meadows laughed. ‘You’re lucky I stopped for you to pick up lunch.’
‘Call this lunch, it’s past my dinner time.’
Meadows pointed to the old battered Renault parked in front of the house. ‘Looks like he’s in.’
‘We should give it a once over, check out the tyres and wind him up a bit,’ Edris said.
‘You’ve been taking lessons from Blackwell,’ Meadows teased.
‘Nah, Blackwell would drag him to the station by his balls.’
The image floated in Meadows’ mind and he chuckled.
‘Yeah, I guess he would. Come on, let’s go.’
The door was opened by an overweight woman in her fifties. She had brown straggly hair and a pale complexion.
‘Mrs Jean Phillips?’ Meadows showed his ID.
‘Miss.’ She peered at the badge.
Meadows smiled. ‘We’d like a chat with Ryan.’
‘He’s not–’
‘We see he’s in.’ Meadows cut her off and pointed to the car.
‘You better come in.’ Jean huffed. She waddled down the hallway. ‘Ryan, cops want to talk to you,’ she said as
she entered the sitting room.
Meadows followed her in and saw Ryan sprawled on the sofa. He had the same shade of hair as his mother and sister, which curtained his hooded eyes.
He glared at Meadows. ‘What do you want?’
‘We’ve come to have a chat about Natalie.’ Meadows plonked himself down in the armchair. ‘I’m sure Edris would love a cup of tea, Miss Phillips.’
‘Forget it,’ Ryan snapped. ‘You’re not staying long enough.’
Edris shrugged and took a seat in the other armchair. Jean hovered nervously by the door.
‘As you’ll be aware Natalie’s little girl is missing,’ Meadows said.
‘So? Nothing to do with me.’ Ryan stretched his arms behind his head.
‘You’re Natalie’s boyfriend so it has everything to do with you,’ Edris said.
‘Who says?’
‘Come on, Ryan, let’s not waste each other’s time,’ Meadows said.
‘She’s not my girlfriend. We knocked around for a while, just a bit of fun.’
‘Until you were arrested for possession and intent to supply and told to stay away.’
‘Not my drugs.’ Ryan smirked. ‘Case didn’t even get to court. What does that tell you?’
That you’re a slippery little sucker.
‘When was the last time you saw Natalie?’
‘Dunno, I see her around. Could be last week.’
‘Funny that, because we have witnesses that saw you at her house last night.’
‘Yeah, well, your witness is seeing things.’
‘More than one person saw you. Lots of people live on that estate, you’d be surprised how many of them watch who comes and goes.’
Ryan swung his legs off the sofa as he sat up and reached for his tobacco pouch. ‘Alright I went to get a tenner off my sister, fat cow owed me. I was only there for five minutes.’
Just keep spinning the web until you trap yourself.
Meadows sat back resuming a relaxed position.
‘Where did you go when you left Natalie’s?’
‘Came back here.’ Ryan sprinkled tobacco along a paper and worked it back and forth with yellow stained fingers. ‘Tell him, Mum.’
‘Yeah, he was in all night with me, watched a film together,’ Jean said.
‘And what film was that?’ Edris asked.
‘Some shit that was on the TV, what does it matter?’ Ryan put the cigarette to his mouth and flicked the lighter. ‘That it?’
‘No, that’s not it.’ Meadows felt irritation crawl at his skin. ‘How do you get on with Ella?’
‘She’s Nat’s kid, not mine.’ Ryan blew out a plume of smoke.
‘Yes, but you look after her when Natalie is at work, why is that? Did she pay you or did you have some other reason?’
Ryan’s jaw clenched. ‘I bet her sister’s been bumping her gums again. Yeah, she’s probably getting a kick out of this. If she’d bothered to help out and look after the kid I wouldn’t have to. I helped out now and again, big deal.’
‘Can’t be easy looking after a young child. I can’t see that you have a lot of experience.’
‘It’s not that hard.’
Pretty easy if you’re stoned and take no notice.
Meadows couldn’t imagine how anyone could leave a child in his care. ‘Did you ever lose your temper with Ella?’
‘No.’
‘We know you have anger issues, you put your last girlfriend in hospital.’
‘Didn’t lay a finger on her. She dropped the charges. Made the whole thing up,’ Ryan said.
‘So how did she get the injuries?’ Edris asked.
‘Fucked if I know. Probably got someone to give her a hiding so she could stitch me up.’
‘Did Ella deliberately break her arm to stitch you up?’ Meadows asked.
Ryan glared at Meadows. ‘I never laid a finger on that kid.’
‘He’s a good boy,’ Jean said. ‘Ryan wouldn’t hurt anyone. He’s been in trouble a few times but that’s boys for you.’
‘I’ve answered all your questions, so you can leave now,’ Ryan said.
‘Okay.’ Meadows stood. ‘But I’d like to have a look around before I go?’
Ryan leapt off the sofa. ‘Got a warrant?’
‘Do I need one?’ Meadows challenged. He stepped forward until he was towering over Ryan. ‘I could arrest you and search the house, makes no difference to me.’
‘You can’t take me in, you have nothing on me.’
‘I think you’ll find that I can. You were at a house last night where a child went missing. You lied when questioned, and you’ve got a history of violence.’
‘Fine, look around, you won’t find nothing.’
‘Thank you, I appreciate your cooperation.’
Meadows left the room and headed up the stairs with Ryan close at heel. The first room he entered was the bathroom. He noted the single towel hanging over the rail, bottles of shampoo lining the edge of the bathtub and a face cloth hanging on the sink. He closed the door and moved to the next room.
‘My mother’s bedroom,’ Ryan said from behind. ‘I don’t think you’ll find the kid stashed under the bed, but you’re welcome to look.’
Meadows ignored him and scanned the room. Purple covers on the bed matched the curtains, the cream carpet was clean, the dressing table neat and ordered. He stepped back and closed the door.
‘I guess this must be your room,’ Meadows opened the last door. The bed was unmade, and clothes were strewn around the room. A games console and TV sat on top of a chest of drawers.
The carpet is freshly hoovered, and it smells too clean in here. Not even an ashtray. Can’t imagine he would sit and play games without smoking.
‘Seen enough,’ Ryan said.
‘You don’t seem very concerned that Ella is missing.’ Meadows turned to face him.
‘Not my kid, is it?’
‘But Natalie is your friend and you looked after Ella. You must’ve got to know her quite well.’
‘I’ve been down the woods with my mates to help look for her, so I’ve done my bit, it’s your job to find the kid. You should be looking, not wasting time hassling me.’
‘I am looking, I’m looking at everyone who’s connected to Ella and we will find her.’ Meadows walked passed Ryan and walked down the stairs. He took a quick look in the kitchen before returning to the sitting room.
Ryan followed him in and plonked himself down on the sofa.
‘That will be all for now but don’t go anywhere. I expect we will need to talk to you again.’ Meadows turned to leave.
‘Whatever,’ Ryan said. ‘You can see yourselves out.’
‘He’s not living there.’ Meadows turned to Edris as soon as they were outside. ‘He’s either shacked up with Natalie or he has another place.’
Chapter Nine
Natalie sat huddled on the sofa with a blanket draped around her shoulders. It was dark outside and Brianna had switched on the lights and drawn the curtains before returning to the kitchen where she could be heard rattling plates and cutlery. Natalie wished she would go away, she hated having this stranger in her house, it felt like Brianna was watching her every move. She longed to put on the TV just to fill the time. The day seemed endless, her stomach was hollow, and her chest hurt from chain smoking. She wanted something stronger but didn’t dare skin up. Maybe Ryan had left some tabs around, he usually has a stash somewhere, she thought.
Natalie pulled herself up off the sofa, her body ached, and she felt a chill run down her back. She pulled the blanket tight around her shoulders and started to rummage in drawers and along the mantle. Nothing. She knelt and opened the drawer in the TV cabinet, she shoved unopened letters and random bits of plastic aside. Her hand touched one of Ella’s dummies and she felt a stab of pain in her chest. She quickly shoved it aside and continued her search. In the corner of the drawer she found a small block of hash wrapped in cling film. She shoved it in her pocket and stood up.
‘You okay?’ Brianna placed a plate with a sandwich cut into four neat triangles on to the table and held out a mug to Natalie.
‘I was just looking for another lighter, I think I’m almost out of gas.’ Natalie took the mug and sat back on the sofa.
Brianna smiled. ‘We’ll need to leave in an hour. I made you something to eat.’
Natalie looked at the plate and felt her stomach turn. ‘I’m not hungry.’
‘Try to eat a little bit,’ Brianna said. ‘It will make you feel better and you’re going to need your strength.’
Natalie picked up a sandwich and took a bite, it was tasteless. She chewed slowly, forcing herself to swallow as she watched Brianna settle in a chair. The other woman’s long shining hair, and flawless face made Natalie feel ugly. Natalie took another bite. She didn’t want this stranger in her house, watching and pretending to be nice.
‘I can’t eat anymore,’ Natalie said and pushed the plate away.
‘That’s okay, maybe you can try again later. Why don’t you have a shower or relax in the bath.’
Natalie felt anger spike her skin. ‘You think I need a shower?’
‘Not if you don’t want to, but it might help you feel more relaxed. Going in front of the cameras can be a little daunting. You need to be focused. I’m going to be with you the whole time and Nia will be there. Even a quick freshen up may make you feel a little better.’
Natalie stood, picked up her tobacco tin and coffee and headed upstairs. She locked the bathroom door and rolled a joint as the bath ran. The room soon filled with steam, and although she still felt cold, she stripped, opened the window, then lowered herself into the hot water.
Lighting the joint, she inhaled deeply and let her head rest against the back of the bath. A few more puffs and she felt her muscles uncoil, her jaw slackened, and her stomach unclenched. The drip of the tap caused ripples in the water, Natalie watched them swirl and felt her eyelids droop. The warmth spread through her body and she let her hand trail in the water.
Suffer the Children Page 7