by JJ Franklin
Matt pushed away his half-finished coffee. ‘This is already official. I need you in the office early so we can talk. Right?’ He got no acknowledgement from Grant as he turned and walked out, nodding to the officers he knew.
Chapter 25
Kathy hurried past the crowds browsing the food stalls towards the joyful music of the steel pans. It floated out over the shoppers, creating a carnival atmosphere. Kathy could see her friend Maureen concentrating on a huge steel pan, only looking up as the piece finished. Kathy waved and received a nod and a smile as she aimed her camera. She stayed to enjoy a couple more seasonal tunes before turning away. The cold was biting and she couldn’t wait to get to rehearsal.
It was then she saw Harry with an older man at one of the food stalls. But something wasn’t right. The man was holding Harry’s arm tightly and the look on Harry’s face said he wished he were somewhere else. Kathy hesitated, decided to walk past, but as she got closer, she could see that Harry was terrified. She stepped forward.
‘Hello. Harry, isn’t it?’
The man turned to her and his eyes raked over her like an X-ray, taking in everything. He smiled and nodded to her and turned to Harry.
‘Aren’t you going to introduce me, dear boy?’
Kathy stepped forward to introduce herself, as Harry seemed at a loss. She was now sure something was wrong. Harry visibly relaxed as the man walked away. Although she had given him her first name, he hadn’t obliged with his.
‘Who was that man, Harry?’
‘I’ve never seen him before.’
‘So what did he want?’
‘Oh, some information about an old friend who died recently. I couldn’t tell him anything as I haven’t seen him for years.’
Was this to do with Jonathan? If they hadn’t been in touch recently that was a good sign. Maybe it was true that he’d left his old ways behind. She decided to watch him tonight and perhaps consider putting him to the end of her list.
‘Are you on the way to rehearsal? Ida said you’d be joining us.’
‘Yes.’
‘Would you like a lift?’
‘Yes. Thanks. I’m not sure where it is.’
As they began to walk down crowded Bridge Street to the car park, neither of them noticed the man following closely behind.
Chapter 26
Eppie was getting anxious. Matt should have been home by now and the dinner was past ready. She’d taken the shepherd’s pie out of the oven and put it in the warming drawer. The starter was cold – Parma ham and feta cheese – so there were no worries about that. Even though Matt wasn’t looking forward to this dinner, she didn’t think he would resort to deliberate sabotage. Was he alright? After what happened two months ago, when serial killer Clive Draper had injured them both, she’d gained an insight into what Matt’s job entailed. In some ways, she wished she had remained ignorant.
However, she couldn’t allow her worries to spoil the evening. This was the first time she’d cooked for Matt’s parents, Sue and Paul, and she wanted it to be a success. Matt had said that his dad would be her slave for life once he’d tasted her shepherd’s pie. Eppie had been thinking of having a roast or steak and although she’d taken his advice, it still didn’t seem the right thing to have at a dinner party.
She offered Sue and Paul more wine, thinking they would all be tipsy before dinner at this rate. ‘Sorry about this. I’m sure Matt won’t be long.’
In reply, Paul gave a resigned humph, while Sue smiled. ‘Don’t worry. We’re enjoying having you to ourselves for a change. Aren’t we, love?’
‘Yes, yes, of course. Can only apologise for that lad of mine. The job will always come first. Besides, something smells delicious and well worth waiting for.’
Eppie had the feeling that she ought to stick up for Matt, but as the hostess, she didn’t want to upset her guests. Matt had told her how disappointed his father had been at his choice of career. Now she could see first-hand that what he said was true; his dad had never forgiven him. Feeling awkward, she decided she’d rise above it all and ignore Paul’s comments.
‘It’s shepherd’s pie. Matt said it was one of your favourites.’
‘It certainly is.’
‘We could start without him, if you like.’
‘No, let’s give him a little longer. Paul can wait, can’t you?’
Before Paul could reply, the phone rang and Eppie moved to answer it.
‘Hi.’ She was relieved to hear Matt’s voice.
‘Sorry, Epp. Just sorting out a bit of a mess. Sam and Grant had an accident. Sam ended up in A&E.’
‘Is he alright?’ Eppie saw the disgusted look on Paul’s face and turned away, moving into the kitchen.
‘Yes. Just a bump on the head. I’ve dropped him home and caught up with Grant so shouldn’t be long.’
‘I hope you gave Sam my love.’
‘Not likely.’
‘Well, you know what I mean.’
‘Yes. Sorry. Tell the folks I’ll be there soon. Don’t wait for me.’
‘Okay, we’ll carry on.’
As Eppie put the phone down and returned to the lounge, Matt’s dad burst out.
‘He’s not coming, is he? I knew it.’
Sue laid a warning hand on his arm. ‘Come on, Paul. It’s not Eppie’s fault.’
‘No, it’s that damn job.’
‘One of his colleagues has been injured. Matt went to hospital to see how he is. He won’t be long, said to start without him. Hope that’s okay?’
‘Of course. Can I help at all?’
‘Thanks, but I think everything is ready. I won’t be a minute.’
As she returned to the kitchen to collect the starters, she could hear Sue quietly telling Paul to behave himself. Hopefully he would listen to her, as she didn’t want Matt coming home to his father’s snide comments. Wondering how Sam was, she carried the plates through to the table.
Throughout dinner, Eppie heard all about Paul’s position as a history professor at the University of Warwick. His specialist subject was the Tudors. Despite his interest in history, Eppie couldn’t see Matt enjoying the academic life and thought he had been right to follow his grandfather into the police, although she was careful not to say so.
Hearing Matt’s key turn in the door, Eppie stood to greet him. ‘Are you sure Sam will be alright?’
‘He’ll be okay. Back to work tomorrow, knowing him. Sorry, folks.’
‘Nothing more than we expect, Matt,’ Paul snapped.
‘It couldn’t be helped, Paul. Matt would hardly be missing a dinner like this on purpose,’ Sue reproached him.
‘I’m sure he has lots more important things to do than sitting down with his parents.’
‘As a matter of fact I did.’
Eppie heard the angry edge in Matt’s tone and tried to intervene. ‘I’ll just get your dinner, Matt. You must be starving.’ She turned towards the kitchen, before realising that he was ignoring her.
‘It was essential to check on my sergeant, and friend, given that he was involved in an accident while on duty.’
‘This is how it’s going to be, Eppie. Work will always come first.’
Eppie turned back from the kitchen wondering how she could calm this down. Sue looked at her in despair. She’d obviously seen it all before.
‘When people’s lives are in danger, yes, work will come first. But then you wouldn’t know anything about having a job with real responsibilities, would you, living up there in your ivory tower?’
Eppie put her hand on Matt’s arm. ‘Matt.’
Matt shook her off. She knew he wasn’t sleeping well on the sofa bed and that he must be worried about Sam, and now this wasn’t helping matters. Paul stood up.
Sue followed, placing herself between her son and husband. ‘I think we should be
going, Paul. So sorry, Eppie.’
Eppie saw Matt turn away in despair and went to him.
‘Ask them to stay for coffee, Matt, please.’
At first, she thought he was going to pull away from her. As he looked down at her she realised she’d never seen him look so tired. He turned back to his parents. ‘Look, I’m sorry. Please stay and have a coffee. Eppie’s bought a special blend and it would be a shame not to try it.’
‘We’d love to. Wouldn’t we, Paul?’
Some of the tension dissipated as Paul sank back down on his chair and nodded. ‘That would be nice.’
Eppie smiled up at Matt and went into the kitchen to get the coffee going. She hoped that the night could end on a peaceful note. There was no sound of conversation as she measured out the coffee and when she took Matt’s dinner through, everyone was sitting as if engrossed in their own thoughts.
‘Coffee won’t be a minute.’ Eppie sat down at the table and tried to think of something to say that wouldn’t cause a row between Matt and his dad. Sue spoke first.
‘We’ve had a lovely time with Eppie spoiling us, Matt.’
‘She does that, Mum.’
‘You need to make sure you look after her.’ As Paul spoke, Sue and Eppie held their breath.
Matt finished a mouthful of food before he spoke. ‘I don’t think she has any complaints – have you, Eppie?’
‘None at all.’ Eppie leaned across to Matt and put her arm around his shoulder, feeling the tension beneath his muscles. Maybe she had been wrong to force this dinner on him. In fairness, when she had planned it, he wasn’t busy at work. Now he had a case, she knew he would be aiming to have ‘thinking time’ in his old comfy chair. He was unlikely to get that tonight, as by the time his parents had left, Angela would arrive home, no doubt full of herself and wanting to regale them about her evening. He wouldn’t be able to get an early night either.
Chapter 27
Vinny was beginning to feel at home. Dan proved a willing servant, restocking the fridge with beer and fetching whatever takeaway Vinny fancied. The boat was warm and apart from banging his head every time he stood, he reckoned he could put up with it for a while, especially if it was a means to an end.
Listening to Dan washing the dishes, he’d almost dozed off. Footsteps on the deck outside woke him and he jumped up, catching his head on the overhead locker. Cursing, he was relieved to hear Ops’ familiar voice.
‘Good evening, gentlemen.’
‘Bloody hell, couldn’t you have given us some warning?’
‘Now, now, Vinny, you know I dislike bad language. I can go away again – call back tomorrow with an appointment if you wish. Yet, I thought you might be interested in my meeting with young Harry.’
‘What did he say?’
‘A coffee would be much appreciated.’
‘Dan,’ Vinny snapped.
Ops composed himself on the small bench opposite Vinny and waited while Dan prepared an instant coffee. Vinny wanted to strangle Ops. It would be so easy to grasp that plump pink neck, watch those grey eyes pop. But this infuriating man held information that could lead him to Jon’s killer and he forced himself to wait, turning his anger instead on Dan.
‘How bloody long does it take to make a coffee?’
Ops sighed, shook his head and waited until Dan slopped a mug of coffee in front of him. Only then did he speak. ‘I met up with young Harry earlier this evening. He turned out to be a most pleasant and helpful young man.’
‘Well?’
‘He tells me that he has had nothing to do with Jonathan since the start of the trial.’
‘Bugger.’
‘However, he did confirm your suspicion that Jonathan would not take drugs.’
‘I told you that.’
‘Yes, but it is nice to have it verified, so to speak.’
‘Is that all?’
‘No. He mentioned someone called Dave. Beanie, I recall is his nickname.’
‘I know him. Used to live down the road. Useless little sod. His sister was the brightest in that family.’
‘That is who the young man is living with at the moment. I’ve checked and her married name is Pritchard. Apparently, Dave has mental health problems and rarely goes out.’
‘He was always into the funny stuff. Probably done his head in, although he was dopey to begin with. Now, he could have got hold of the gear to kill my lad.’
‘I think it is unlikely, but I will follow it up. Also, I intend to see Harry again soon. In the meantime, I’m having him followed. So you can rest assured that I have all bases covered. Oh, I almost forgot, a lady of about fifty came by, said hello to Harry. She gave her name as Kathy. Would you know who she might be?’
‘No idea.’
‘Oh well, I’m having her followed as well, just in case she proves useful.’ Ops stood. ‘Thank you for the coffee, Dan. Vinny, have patience. I am working hard on your behalf.’
‘I’d rather be out there sorting it myself.’
‘And getting caught before your task is completed?’
‘Don’t automatically follow.’ Vinny stood so that he towered over Ops.
Ops merely smiled at this obvious display of muscle. ‘We shall see. Good evening.’
As Ops made his way up the steps, Vinny cursed, gave his usual one-finger salute to Ops’s plump backside and turned to kick the stove in frustration. He wanted to be out there, to find out for himself who had killed his boy. Still, it should be easy to sneak out while Dan was asleep.
Chapter 28
Every time he’d drifted off to sleep, his cold feet had woken him and Matt hoped he hadn’t kept Eppie awake. She appeared to be sleeping peacefully so he eased himself off the edge of the sofa bed, forgetting that he would land on Eppie’s favourite plant; a small Yucca that she nourished with great care. He couldn’t help crying out as his toe met the heavy pot. ‘Damn.’
Eppie stirred.
‘Sorry, go back to sleep. I was trying not to wake you.’ He leaned over to kiss her and she turned to him.
‘Are you okay?’
‘I’m fine.’
‘And my plant,’ she murmured sleepily.
‘No damage.’
‘Good,’ she said, snuggling back down.
At least she had put him first, Matt thought, grinning to himself. After a quick shower and an instant coffee, he crept out. Eppie’s alarm clock would go off at seven fifteen, so at least she could have another half hour. Matt wanted to be in the office early to prepare himself for Grant and he wasn’t looking forward to what must be done.
There were already a number of cars on the road and a frail sun tried to break through. It just caught the highest of the ruined towers of Kenilworth Castle. Matt often thought, if he could time travel, he would go back to the time of John O’Gaunt to be there to watch him arrive with his knights and chargers. It would be all bustle and noise as the stable lads received the sweating horses while John strode into the castle impatient to see his mistress, Katherine Swynford. Now, with the ruins left to the blackbirds and rabbits, all was silent and still. Matt pulled away from one of his favourite imaginings to concentrate on the icy road.
At work, it looked as if it had been a slow night given the lingering smell of curry and the empty cartons littering a desk. Matt didn’t appreciate the stench first thing in the morning, but by the time he’d made himself a coffee and attacked the biscuit tin, he had become accustomed to it. Feeling better prepared, he sat down to sort through what needed doing today. It was a pity that Phil Nodding hadn’t been seen due to the accident, as he could be a vital witness. He’d put him down for a visit today.
Half an hour later Grant ambled in. Matt, relieved that he had shown up, went to the door of his office and beckoned Grant to join him. Without even looking at Matt, he sauntered in. Indicating a seat by th
e coffee table, Matt thought he looked rougher than yesterday. Sitting down opposite, he waited to see if Grant would look up, but was disappointed. ‘You know what this is about?’
‘Yes.’
‘Tell me what happened yesterday.’
‘Moment’s lack of concentration. That’s all.’
‘Which could have killed you both?’
‘But didn’t.’
Determined not to lose his patience, Matt fought to stay calm. He wondered if Grant realised the trouble he was in. ‘One of my officers ended up in casualty. That’s more than sufficient. You were damn lucky it was old Duffin or you could be on a charge right now.’
Grant didn’t reply. His tolerance beginning to slip, Matt decided to tackle him head-on. ‘Grant, had you been drinking the previous night?’
Shrugging his shoulders, Grant looked up for the first time. ‘Nothing else to do.’
‘How much?’
‘The usual.’
‘So you might have been over the limit? Just like you are at this minute.’
‘Unlikely.’
‘Shall we take a test?’ Matt was pleased to see the smirk leave Grant’s face. ‘No? I didn’t think you would like that. You do realise how I should deal with this?’
‘You’ll do what you want.’
‘No. What I have to, damn you.’ Matt wanted to thump the coffee table for emphasis, but resisted. How could he get through to the man? He tried to rein in his anger, took a breath and started again. ‘When you drove yesterday, were you aware that you might be over the limit?’
‘Didn’t think about it.’
Matt wanted to snap back, Well maybe you should have, but stopped himself in time. ‘Or, that if you have been drinking heavily each evening, you could be over the limit every day?’
Grant declined to answer. So Matt continued. ‘Do you want to lose your job?’
Grant shook his head.
‘Because, unless we get to grips with this, that’s exactly what will happen. I need to understand what is going on for you.’