Generations of Love

by Wendy Pulford

  The man was getting cocky again now he’d unburdened himself, thought Dougie. He took out his phone, and called for a car.

  ‘I’m going to put you under formal arrest for the murder of Catherine Hartman.’ He stared at Fowler as he read him his rights. ‘We’ll do it all by the book, although my personal inclination is to do it another way.’ The cold, hard look that went along with his words could not have been misinterpreted. ‘Fowler, if it’s the last thing I do, I’ll see you pay for everything you’ve done.’

  ‘I don’t think I have that long, Sergeant,’ was Fowler’s reply.

  Dougie could feel no sympathy for him. ‘Until the car comes I’ll leave you with your priest. Maybe he’ll convince you of mercy, but at the moment I can’t find any in my heart for you.’

  Dougie accompanied Fowler as he was taken into custody. His obvious state of health caused some concern and, as Dougie feared, a doctor was called, who advised that Fowler be admitted to hospital. This, he knew, would mean that the process of taking a formal statement would be delayed, and in his view, time was critical.

  *

  The telephone rang the next morning at five-fifteen and Dougie struggled awake to answer it. He listened to the voice at the other end, said nothing, and replaced the receiver. For some long moments he sat on the edge of the bed with his head in his hands, then with a deep sigh stood up and left the bedroom.

  He went downstairs into the lounge and poured himself a large whisky. He drew back the curtains and stood looking out at the lightening sky, running through in his head the words he had just heard.

  So Fowler had had less time than he himself imagined. During the night, under police guard, and with his wife at his bedside, Fowler had escaped man-made justice once and for all.

  Dougie took a long swallow of his whisky. He was full of remorse; not for Fowler, but for all those he had once more let down. He cursed himself for being a coward and not tackling the matter sooner. He turned and threw his glass and the remaining contents into the fireplace.

  His wife appeared in the doorway, looking at him in concern. ‘Dougie, for the love of God, tell me what’s wrong.’

  Until this morning Dougie realised he had never appreciated how much support Janet had given him over the years. For over two hours she sat in silence, listening to him explain all that had occurred. When he finished, she suggested that he showered while she made breakfast. Working on autopilot, he obeyed her without conscious thought, and it was not until he reappeared, bathed and dressed, and had somehow eaten his meal, that she sat beside him and spoke.

  ‘Dougie, you are a good and honourable man. I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you what you now have to do. The truth must be told to everyone, in particular Peter Hartman, whatever it costs.’

  He smiled at her and stroked her hand. ‘That’s just what I’m going to do, my dear. I’m not going to stop now. I’d already made up my mind on that.’

  On his way into the office he started to make plans. He had to speak with his superiors about Fowler’s verbal confession and what, in legal terms, could be done. The priest had been a witness, but would he be bound by the rules of the confessional? It had, after all, been more of an open talk. He would have to seek guidance on this. Clarke would need to be interviewed as to his part in the matter. Could he be persuaded to reveal his source?

  But it left the matter of the Franklin investigation unresolved. This was still his main worry. What he would give to bounce Lionel Franklin around in a padded cell for a bit! He would have all his answers then.

  He must speak to Peter Hartman and the McIntyres. If anything about Fowler started to leak out in the press, they would be unprepared. He also knew he must tell them the complete truth about everything. He acknowledged to himself that he would welcome some independent guidance on his actions.

  *

  Sarah felt the happiest she had been in a long time. It was the perfect Sunday. Her husband and both children at home for lunch, also Peter and Christa, and even Luigi Gandoni had popped in. It was a boisterous meal with everyone in good spirits.

  Going about her preparations, she had observed Luigi and Christa talking together. The two of them seemed to get on well. Christa was such a nice girl, none the worse for her recent bad encounter, thank goodness. She had noticed a subtle change in Peter’s attitude to her of late. The warm looks between them were very noticeable, and Sarah had even seen them holding hands. Since Peter’s problem at the legal chambers and the start of his new job, he had grown in stature. He was more assured and confident, and a ready smile often lit up his face as never before. Please God, she said to herself, after all this time, let him know some happiness.

  The front door bell rang as they were having coffee, and Amy left to answer it. She came back a moment or two later and whispered something to her father, who left the room. Strange, thought Sarah, if it was a call-out someone would have rung.

  It was some time before Jerry came back into the kitchen, and when he did she could see from his face that it was something serious. He had a man with him who seemed familiar. Not placing him at first, she then remembered. It was Sergeant Johnson, Alex’s former colleague; but, of course, now much older. Her light mood of the day vanished and with sudden insight she dreaded what was to come next.

  CHAPTER 19

  Sarah tried to keep herself calm, but it was difficult, seeing the anxiety registered on Jerry’s face as he looked at her.

  ‘Sarah, you remember Sergeant Johnson? He has asked to speak with us about an important matter.’ His glance moved over to Peter. ‘This affects you, Peter. I gather that some of what he has to say may not prove easy listening.’ He looked around the room. ‘If anyone feels it’s not their concern and wishes to leave us for a while, that’s fine.’

  There was a moment’s silence and then Rob stood and moved over to Peter, placing a hand on his shoulder. For once he radiated the mature, assured young man he was underneath all his good-natured fooling around.

  ‘We’ve been with Peter all these years and I, for one, don’t intend to stop now.’ He looked around the room, defying anyone to contradict him. No one did and no one moved.

  Jerry glanced again at his wife, and smiled at her. ‘You told me a while ago you thought we were lucky with our family. You were right.’

  He turned to their visitor. ‘Well, Sergeant, you’d better take a seat. We appear to be ready to hear what you have to say.’

  Sarah watched as their visitor gazed around the room, seeming to study each person. He stiffened when his eyes lighted on Luigi Gandoni, and gave a slight shake of his head. He took a few moments longer in his perusal of Peter. He appeared to be weighing him up. Then his eyes came back to Sarah.

  ‘I should be telling you just part of the information I have, but I believe that you need, and deserve, to know it all; even my own failings of errors and inaction. As to this, all I can offer you is my sincere apology and hope that you will be able to forgive me.’

  Sarah smiled at him. ‘I’m sure when you tell us your news we’ll understand.’ Turning to her daughter she said, ‘I think we’d better have the coffee replenished, Amy, if you will.’

  Turning back to Sergeant Johnson, Sarah thought he looked tired and defeated and on impulse moved to sit next to him, putting her arm across his shoulders. When everyone was again settled, with Peter sitting opposite, she squeezed his arm. ‘Now, please tell us.’

  ‘I’ve spoken with someone who admits to killing Alex and Catherine Hartman.’

  The gasps of shock following this announcement rippled around the room. Sarah could feel tears pricking behind her eyes. She dared not look at Peter.

  ‘Thank God! I just knew it had to be like that. Go on, Sergeant Johnson, please.’

  He gave her a sad smile. ‘Call me “Dougie”. Catherine did. I now have to tell you, however, that the actual perpetrator will never be prosecute
d. The person involved died from cancer the day after he confessed.’

  Jerry broke the subsequent silence in the room.

  ‘Suppose you start from the beginning.’

  Sarah found herself half-listening while Dougie explained his meeting with this… this person. All these years, she had been so sure that the truth had not come out, but that it would one day. Even so, of late, she had been finding it hard to hold on to that faith. Now…!

  She looked over at Peter. His face was set and still, his eyes riveted on Dougie Johnson. She longed to reach over to him, but dared not. When she returned her full attention to the man next to her, Dougie was still speaking, recounting the actual details of that awful night as this man Fowler had described them, his audience reacting in their own individual way, from stony-faced acceptance to shock and tears.

  ‘The matter is now with my superiors for further action. I am hoping that the priest will verify my own statement. I am taking the view that it was an open discussion and not a proper confessional. The next thing would be to obtain a hearing where the initial inquest result could be amended.’

  Peter spoke for the first time, his voice quiet. ‘So my father’s name will be cleared of murder?’

  ‘That is what I will push for. I suggest you seek some expert legal advice, someone with experience.’

  ‘I’m now a qualified lawyer. I’ll sort that out.’ Peter sounded firm and decisive, and his grey eyes looked focused and determined. ‘This Johnny Clarke will need to be interviewed.’

  ‘He will be, but he’ll deny everything, of course. You know what he’ll say in his defence: “Just the ramblings of a dying man with a grudge”. He’ll have his lawyers as well.’

  Luigi spoke into the following silence. ‘It’s a pity that all this couldn’t have been discovered years ago; perhaps with a bit more police work, Sergeant Johnson?’ His voice had a distinct edge to it.

  Dougie looked over at him. ‘I understand your continuing dislike of me, Mr Gandoni, but if you hear me out you might then realise the position I found myself in. However, I repeat that it doesn’t absolve me of all blame.’

  Luigi gave a sigh. ‘From what you’ve just told us, I gather this assassin confirms that the bribery accusation was faked.’

  ‘I’m going to suggest that the old files are trawled to see if we can pick up those bank statements and other papers. I’m also going to ask if we can investigate which police officers might have been involved with the matter back then. After this length of time, some may already have left the force. I’ll keep on it, though.

  ‘To confirm Mr Gandoni’s comments of a moment ago… Like him, at the time I thought the whole affair should have been better investigated. In my view the conclusions were based on obvious available evidence, and there were definite inconsistencies, in particular with relevance to the pathology.’

  He looked around the room again, and returned his gaze to Peter.

  ‘You need to know that at the time I was – how shall we say? – “discouraged” from making any more investigations myself without jeopardising my career and pension. This was made very clear to me. I was given the distinct impression that my superiors wanted everything concluded with as much speed as possible, and I’m ashamed to say that I went along with it. In all honesty, there wasn’t much more I could do. However, I’m still hopeful that we’ll turn up something, even after all this time.’

  With an apologetic glance at Peter, Christa made an observation. ‘This Fowler person mentioned that his boss received instructions from another to carry out these acts. Do we have any idea who that might be, and why?’

  Sarah looked over at Luigi, and found him studying her with the same question in his eyes. Oh no… if her worst fears were realised, how on earth would Peter cope with news like that?

  Dougie Johnson was silent for a few moments, fiddling with his coffee cup.

  ‘I’m still undecided as to whether I should mention anything else to you which may, or may not, shed some light on the young lady’s comment. My reluctance is due to the fact that there might be an element of danger involved to persons who become aware of the information.’

  He looked round at them again, taking in their reactions to his statement.

  ‘I know it sounds melodramatic, and I might be overstating the case after all these years, but I still have nightmares about it. This whole matter has wider implications than just something to do with your family.’

  Rob, sitting on the other side of Dougie, touched his arm. ‘If, as I think, you mean something to do with national security, then as a member of the armed forces I feel I should be made aware of the facts. I can then judge whether I need to take any further action.’

  ‘Very laudable, young man, but we’re not dealing with Boy’s Own stuff here.’ Dougie’s voice was hard and stern. ‘People have already died in order to suppress facts, and my inaction on the matter was prompted by the fear that either I or my family would go the same way.’

  ‘Dougie,’ Peter was staring at the other man, his voice calm and controlled. ‘are you saying that my parents were murdered because of some national security problem?’

  ‘In a roundabout way, yes.’

  Again, the reaction in the room to this statement was electric.

  Luigi spoke again. ‘Sergeant Johnson, I myself am prepared to take the chance of hearing your other information, because I feel it is still relevant today and can, even now, affect people in this room. If the others here choose to do the same, then I think we should hear you out and then decide what is best to do.’

  Dougie looked over at Peter again. ‘I think it needs to be left to you, young man, to say whether you are prepared to hear more.’

  Sarah watched as Peter closed his eyes for a moment. She saw Christa’s hand slip into his. Then, squaring his shoulders, he opened his eyes again and stared straight ahead, looking at no one in particular.

  ‘If what you have to say still affects my parents, I wish to know everything. And I mean everything.’

  Dougie studied him for a moment longer, then nodded. He paused to collect his thoughts and then began by relating the initial contact with Judge Franklin, plus the intervention of Sir John Fraser and Francis.

  Sarah could see the shock registering on Peter’s face, but he was holding himself together.

  ‘I’m afraid to say, Peter, that Judge Franklin didn’t impress either Alex or I in his dealings with us, but in particular his attitude to your mother.

  ‘When it became obvious that feelings were growing between Alex and Catherine, I am sure this didn’t go unnoticed. When I later joined Alex in the wider investigations he was asked to pursue, I found out that he’d been warned to keep me in the dark about the real reason for our investigations; but knowing that good police work depends on sharing thoughts and views, Alex decided to tell me everything, although no one else knew that. Perhaps because no one thought I knew everything, that has kept me out of harm’s way.’

  He looked around the room and then back to Peter, who motioned for him to continue.

  ‘We began to collect evidence which, on the face of it, appeared to suggest that Judge Franklin and others were using monies from various sources, some of which belonged in the Franklin family, to facilitate the instigation of activities designed to destabilise this country, through various means. I’m afraid there was even involvement with the Irish.

  ‘Considering Alex and I were just a two-man team, without the use of today’s computer technology, I think we managed to put together quite a good case. Alex presented it to Sir John, who was going to bring up the findings at a policy meeting, but he never had the chance.’

  Dougie stopped and looked around his audience. ‘That meeting was to be held the day after he was killed in a road accident. The same night that Alex and Catherine were killed.’

  The atmosphere in the room was now one of sil
ent shock, each person busy with their own reaction to what they had just heard.

  Into this silence Peter spoke, his voice just a whisper. ‘Someone else either knew or guessed what was about to be revealed, and wanted to stop it?’

  Dougie nodded. ‘This was always the trouble. Who was in the know? I gathered from Alex that this Mr Francis believed the whole set-up might even be stemming from someone in the Civil Service or government. I am certain that nothing of our investigation was known to others from a perusal of our files. We made sure that our papers were kept secure, by various means. Did Sir John let something slip? Fowler indicated that there were emergency last-minute instructions to deal with the road traffic incident and also to put the pre-planned operation at Fulham into effect that very night. My feeling is that someone in the Force at the time became aware that certain evidence had been obtained, and it needed to be covered up.

  ‘My own warning not to meddle came from a Superintendent who I had not seen before, who claimed to be acting on orders from the then Assistant Commissioner. It was he who had given instructions for all our files to be taken away. There was nothing I could do to stop it. As far as I could see, there was no reason for them to be removed, unless someone was worried about what information they contained. It did cross my mind that maybe Mr Francis had instructed the removal, but somehow I just don’t think so.’

  ‘Well, you were right when you said that all this could sound melodramatic!’ Jerry spoke for the first time. ‘It’s almost hard to believe. One thing surprises me, though. What’s happened to this Mr Francis? You say you were never contacted. Why, as you say, didn’t he arrange to take over your files?’

  ‘I agree, and it’s puzzled me. I didn’t know how to contact him. I can’t even be sure that Francis was his real name. I never heard from anyone.’

  ‘Did something happen to him too?’ Rob queried.

  ‘I’ve no way of knowing. Perhaps he decided it was better to lie low. I myself requested a transfer out of Special Branch and back into the CID.’ He paused for a moment, then sighed. ‘I am now coming to the difficult part about my own actions, and once again I must offer my further sincere regrets.’