The Fourth Friend

by Joy Ellis

  He unlocked his vehicle and sat inside, unsure of what to do next. He had never known Silas to be jumpy and it unnerved him. Silas was a loner. He loved the solitude of the marsh, and had always relished the coming of eventide. This was so out of character.

  He switched the engine on and wound down the window. No one in their right mind would stop here if they saw a damn great 4 x 4 parked on the quay, so there was no chance of catching them red-handed. Carter guessed he might as well go home and leave the guard duties to Klink.

  He sniffed the evening air, on which the whiff of burnt grain still floated. Then he coughed and held his hand to his mouth. The stink of smoke filled his nostrils and his lungs. It was them.

  He turned off the engine and jumped out of the Land Rover, clutching Ray’s bag to his chest. He spun round and stared into the shadows, but all he saw was the wind-stunted trees and the straggly bushes surrounding the quay. He took a few steps towards the Eva May, but apart from the whisper of the night breeze and the water lapping the shore, there was nothing.

  ‘Guys? Ray? Tom? Jack? Where are you?’

  The breeze suddenly cooled. Tendrils of cold air stroked his face. Carter shivered and pulled up his shirt collar. ‘Guys?’ He swung round in a full circle. ‘Ray? Where are you? I’ve found it! I’ve got your money. It’s safe. Look.’ He held the old leather bag up over his head.

  An unnatural silence descended over the quay. Carter moved carefully back to his motor. Suddenly he was horribly aware of what Silas had called the “bad feeling.” He opened the door, threw the bag inside and climbed hurriedly in after it.

  What did it mean — the burning smell, and no friends? He shook his head, turned on the ignition and roared off the quay. Home was not his favourite place these days, but right now it was looking pretty good.

  * * *

  Carter woke at three in the morning and pushed aside the covers. His sleep had been fitful at best, and now he was too alert. He had the usual three choices open to him. Go for a run, watch all-night TV or go into work. With a deep sigh, he stood up and padded towards the shower. He couldn’t face the run and he had no interest in reality TV. That left work.

  Carter took a shower and smiled as the hot water coursed down his body. It had been worth the blisters from that old shovel. He would ring Joanne from work, and maybe go see her in her lunch break. She worked at a newly opened DIY store just outside the town, and he could be there in ten minutes, traffic permitting. The money wasn’t a fortune, but he was sure it would make a welcome difference to her. Maybe he should add a bit more? Maybe another grand, to top it up a bit?

  ‘Sod that for a game of soldiers, mate.’ Ray’s voice penetrated through the hissing water and Carter gasped. He stepped out onto the cool marble floor of the shower room.

  ‘It was just a thought,’ he muttered apologetically, trying to ignore the pungent smell.

  Ray and the other two were across the room, perched on the edge of his bath. ‘It would spoil it, mate. No offence, but just give her the bag as it is, with my message, okay?’

  Carter nodded. ‘Sorry. Sometimes I think throwing money at things makes them better, but I guess that’s not always the case.’

  ‘Sometimes, but not always. Nice thought though. Just not appropriate this time,’ said Ray kindly.

  Carter stared at them. They were different now. When he’d first seen them in the hospital, it had been indescribably horrible. They’d appeared to him like something out of a horror film — deformed, disfigured and terribly maimed. Now they were . . . he peered through the steam. Well, they were kind of normal, not so much disfigured as out of focus. He could still make out the burns, but it was like looking at a reflection in a shop window. They had a vagueness, a shifting quality as if they were made of liquid light.

  He suddenly noticed that Ray seemed more indistinct than the others. He was still speaking, talking about Joanne. Carter frowned. Ray should not be here at all. After all, he’d had his wish granted. The money had been discovered, it was right here in the apartment with them.

  ‘Finish the job, Carter,’ said Ray. ‘The money is important, but the fact that she hears from you that I truly loved her is even more so. Understand?’

  He understood. ‘I’ll talk to her later today, I promise.’

  ‘Thanks, mate. I appreciate it.’ Ray had practically disappeared. His smile, like that of the Cheshire cat, was the last to fade. The vile smell went with them.

  So, Ray’s task was almost complete. He shuddered with apprehension. What would Jack ask him?

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  ‘What the hell time did you get in this morning?’ Marie was staring open mouthed at Carter’s almost empty desk.

  He looked up at her wearily. ‘You really don’t want to know.’

  ‘Another bad night?’ Marie felt a rush of concern for him. No matter what Laura advised, her anxiety about Carter would always be there.

  And he looked awful. He was hollow-eyed, and his skin had a sickly pallor. Even his hair lacked its usual healthy sheen. He needed sleep. Everyone needed sleep to function properly.

  He grinned at her. ‘So, clever clogs, how did I manage to get all this work put to bed? I’ve collated six files of evidence reports and witness statements for the Cannon case, and I’ll challenge you to find any cock-ups in it.’ He jerked his thumb towards a neatly stacked mountain of files.

  ‘You can do that office stuff with your eyes closed, and you know it. It’s one of the things I’ve always hated about you.’ She looked at him. ‘It’s not the reports, it’s all the rest that bothers me.’

  He pushed back his chair and summoned up the energy to smile at her. ‘Sorry, Mother. I do have some good news though. Drag up a pew and I’ll fill you in on exactly why I’m so knackered.’

  Marie pulled a chair towards his desk. ‘Do we need a couple of strong coffees for this?’

  ‘Oh, we do, but I’ll send one of the rookies out for the real thing, not that dishwater our machine produces. Fancy a Danish?’

  ‘Why not?’ Marie stared down at her slightly rounded stomach. ‘What’s a few thousand calories between friends? I’ll have a pecan and maple syrup, if they’ve got one.’

  Carter went to his open door and shouted, ‘Whoever wants a trip to Pierre’s can treat themselves to a fresh coffee and the bun of their choice!’ Then he stood back and waited for the thunder of policemen’s boots.

  A young DC with jet black spiky hair and a fierce grin beat two others to his door. He held out his hand. Carter passed him a twenty, rattled off their order and returned to his desk. ‘While we wait, you can tell me all about your special dinner for two with Gary Pritchard.’

  Marie rubbed her hands together. ‘Oh my! Can that man cook! Homely stuff, but he’s definitely in the wrong job. People would pay good money to taste food that good.’

  ‘So your bijou residence is about to become a select village restaurant?’

  ‘No way. He’s mine! All mine!’ She looked towards the door. ‘Hell, Carter, I can’t wait for Kieran to get back. What’s this good news?’

  He leant towards her and whispered, ‘I found Ray’s money.’

  She let out a whistle. ‘Great! And was it with Crazy Silas?’

  ‘As good as.’

  Marie sat back and listened to Carter’s story.

  ‘I’ve already spoken to Joanne. I caught her before she left for work. I’m going to see her in her lunch hour. Would you come with me?’

  Marie’s heart sank. He looked so hopeful. ‘But I don’t even know the girl, Carter. I’m sure she won’t want some stranger sitting in on your conversation.’

  ‘Please?’ Carter bit his lip. ‘It’s going to be very emotional for both of us. I’d be much happier if you were there with me.’

  Marie stared at him. His exhausted pallor accentuated that “little boy lost” expression of his, and haggard or not, he was still scarily handsome. Carter McLean was exactly the kind of man that would have attracted her — if she
had been on the lookout for someone, but after Bill . . . once again, she felt her resolve fading away. ‘Oh, okay. But lunch is on you, right?’

  ‘Absolutely. Scarlett’s Deli. Anything you want.’

  ‘This could cost you, my friend.’

  ‘It’ll be worth it.’ Carter looked up as the spiky-haired constable entered the office. ‘Thanks, Kieran. Did you get something for yourself?’

  The lad nodded and waved another small bag. ‘Thank you, sir. Iced Belgian bun.’ He left, pulling the door closed after him.

  ‘Door! Leave the bloody door! How many times do I sodding well have to tell you?’

  Marie took a deep breath. She’d heard it a hundred times since the accident, and every time she cursed the youngsters for their thoughtlessness. It was a small thing, after all.

  ‘Sorry! Sorry, sir.’ Kieran pushed the door right back against the wall and beat a hasty retreat, clutching his bag to his chest.

  ‘Okay, so where are we meeting Joanne?’

  ‘Uh? Oh yes, she works for the big DIY store on the Fenton Estate.’ Marie could see him pulling himself together. ‘There’s a garden and a seating area on the river bank, right next door to the store. I said we’d meet her there.’

  ‘Do you have any idea what you are going to say? Or are you winging it?’

  ‘I’ve got a vague idea, but I guess it’ll depend on how she reacts. She’s a down-to-earth sort of girl. I think she’ll be pretty overwhelmed by it all.’

  Marie puffed out her cheeks. ‘Yeah, a year and a half down the road, and she suddenly gets given a bag of money that she never knew existed. I’d certainly be overwhelmed.’ She shook her head. ‘Just keep it simple, okay. It’ll be a shock, so don’t overdo the explanations.’

  ‘Fair enough. That’ll make it easier for me too.’

  Marie sighed. It was going to be awful. She wished he had decided to mail the bag to the girl anonymously. She took a bite from her Danish and chewed thoughtfully. ‘So who is next?’

  ‘Jack. Jack’s next.’

  ‘And?’

  Carter shrugged. ‘I haven’t a clue, but—’

  ‘No, Carter! Don’t say it. I’m really struggling with your bloody conversations with the dead.’

  He bit his lip. Immediately Marie felt bad. ‘I’m sorry, that came out all wrong.’

  ‘Nothing to apologise for.’ He sighed. ‘I expect far too much from you, Marie. It’s me who should be saying sorry. I just assume you’re going to understand, even when I do and say things that are completely off the wall.’

  Marie gave him a weak smile. ‘Forget it. It’s okay. We’ll go see Joanne, and then we’ll deal with Jack’s unfinished business, whatever that is. Okay?’

  Carter nodded. ‘By the way, the super has kept Leah at home today. By all accounts she’s practically walled her up. Luckily, she’s working on her dissertation, so she can do it from the safety of Crooke’s house.’

  Marie snorted. ‘I bet she loves that! She struck me as being a pretty independent kid, even though this has shaken her up.’ She thought for a moment. ‘Has anyone interviewed the boyfriend yet?’

  Carter sipped his coffee. ‘Uniform had a word, but they have no concerns about him. He’s a bright student, well adjusted, with no weird hang-ups. Plus he has watertight alibis for most of the occasions when the stalker was at work. He seemed genuinely concerned for Leah’s welfare.’ He set down his coffee. ‘Another dead end.’

  ‘I have a feeling our creepy crawly will relish all the attention and take it as a challenge, don’t you?’

  ‘Almost certainly,’ agreed Carter. ‘He’ll bide his time but he will act again.’

  ‘And we just wait?’

  Carter shrugged. ‘I can’t see what else we can do. I tried to check on the money he used in the chocolate shop, but it had already been banked.’

  ‘That was convenient!’

  ‘A bit too convenient, if you ask me,’ muttered Carter. ‘He timed it perfectly.’

  ‘Just like he timed gaining access to her car in the university car park. He’s damned clever.’ Marie stirred her coffee slowly, then looked up. ‘But maybe a bit too clever? Carter, don’t you think this is all a bit calculating for a stalker?’

  ‘How so?’

  ‘Well, if he’s just some student, isn’t all this perfect timing and detailed planning a bit extreme? Doesn’t sound like some nerdy creep in an anorak to me. You don’t think we may be dealing with something a bit more sinister, do you? Someone with a bigger agenda than just trying to get into a pretty girl’s knickers?’

  Carter frowned. ‘Like someone intent on actually doing her harm?’

  She shrugged. ‘Or maybe abducting her?’

  ‘Whoa! Let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves.’ Carter held up a hand. ‘There’s been no indication of anything that serious.’

  ‘Yet.’

  ‘You really do have a bad feeling about this, don’t you?’ Carter stared into his coffee. ‘I still believe it’s some horny kid who is infatuated with Leah and is prepared to confront the wrath of Lincolnshire’s finest to get his girl. Just relax, I’m certain this will all blow over really soon.’

  Marie didn’t answer. Usually they worked together well on a case, and occasionally they were so in tune that there was no need for discussion. She wondered why this case was so different. ‘Well, I sincerely hope you are right, Detective Sergeant, I really do.’ She stood up. ‘And now I need to tie up with Jackman before he takes the morning meeting.’

  ‘How goes it with Suzanne’s case? Has he said?’

  His voice was even and his tone casual, but she saw the keen glint in his eyes.

  ‘Badly, by all accounts. His exact words were that they were up the proverbial creek, and not a paddle in sight.’

  ‘If there is anything I can do, he should ask me. I didn’t know Suzanne well, hardly at all in fact, but I might know some of the people who were around her and Tom at the time. It could help provide more background.’

  ‘Thanks. I’m sure Jackman will talk to you if things don’t get any better.’

  Marie left Carter’s office. At the door, she glanced back briefly. There was a very strange expression on her friend’s face.

  * * *

  The small park was almost empty, and Carter recognised Joanne Simms immediately. She was sitting alone on a bench close to the river’s edge. She wore a shapeless, beige jacket over a minty green blouse and a calf-length floral print skirt. She was considerably thinner than the last time he had seen her. When was that? Six months ago? Could be longer. Initially the victims’ nearest and dearest had clung to each other like debris caught up in a tornado, bound to each other by the memory of their dead loved ones and the awful thing that had happened to them. Then, as each one began to rebuild their lives, they drifted apart. They grew awkward with one another. After three months, Carter avoided all of them.

  He strode towards her, hoping his fear and panic didn’t show. Beside him, Marie squeezed his arm. ‘It’ll be alright,’ she whispered.

  He swallowed. ‘Hey! Joanne! You look great.’ He hugged her briefly. ‘I don’t think you ever met Marie? She’s my old partner Bill’s wife. She’s a detective too.’

  Joanne shook Marie’s outstretched hand, and they sat down. ‘You said you had something to tell me?’ Carter sensed that Joanne didn’t want this meeting any more than he did. The discomfort came off her in waves.

  ‘Yes.’ He took a long breath. ‘Actually I have something for you.’ He placed the bag, now clean of mildew, on the seat between them.

  Joanne stared at it. ‘It was Ray’s, wasn’t it?’

  ‘I found it.’ He paused. ‘Close to the Eva May.’

  ‘Can I . . . can I look in it?’ Her voice shook slightly.

  ‘It’s yours, Jo. Ray meant it for you.’ He pushed the old sports bag closer to her.

  Her hands were unsteady, and she took a long time to undo the fastenings.

  Carter couldn’t wait. ‘It’s
money, Joanne. Money Ray was saving for your wedding. He was scared that his brothers would steal the lot, so he hid it. I only found it last night and I brought it straight to you.’ Joanne stared into the bag, saying nothing. ‘I don’t know exactly how much is there. Quite a bit, I guess,’ he said lamely. ‘Whatever, it’s yours.’

  Now came the hard part. ‘You do know he really loved you, don’t you, Joanne?’

  She raised her eyes to him. ‘Of course I know.’

  ‘He just wants you to be sure of that.’

  Her eyes grew wider. ‘What do you mean, he wants me to be sure? Did you speak to him before he died? My God, Carter! Did he talk to you? You never told me that!’ She was half out of her seat.

  He grasped her hand. ‘No, no! You misunderstand! It’s just that we used to talk when we were working on the boat. He told me he was never very good at expressing his feelings. That’s all, honestly. He often said he ought to tell you more often how he felt. To your face, that is.’ Oh God, what a mess he was making of this.

  Marie came to his assistance. ‘All he’s saying is never, even in your darkest moments, doubt that your Ray was deeply in love with you.’

  ‘I’m sorry, Joanne, really.’ Carter let go of her hand. ‘At least this is safe with you now.’ He touched the bag lightly. ‘And we better go.’

  To his relief, Marie put her arm around her. ‘Will you be alright, Joanne? We can walk you back to work if you like? You’ve had a bit of a shock, haven’t you?’

  ‘You could say that.’ Her voice shook but she managed a small smile. ‘I’m fine. Luckily I’m owed a few hours off, so I think I’ll go straight home, have a cup of tea and try to get my head around this.’ She looked across at Carter. ‘And I’m sorry too. You’ve been kind enough to bring me this, and then I go and shout at you. It’s silly I know, but I’m still having a hard time accepting he’s gone. From the, way you spoke, just for a moment . . . I thought . . .’ Her voice faded. There was nothing more to say.

  When they got to his vehicle, Carter glanced back. Joanne walked slowly, holding the bag wrapped in her arms, as if it were a baby.