by JJ Franklin
‘Will do, guv. Had a call from him last night, but he rang off before I could answer so I was thinking of catching up with him today.’
‘I’m interested to see how Kathy Wylde takes the news. Fluff, sorry, Jane – could do with your input there. Then I can warn Mary on the way home.’
Matt dismissed the team and walked towards McRay’s office, intending to get some protection for Mary. McRay saw him coming and called him in.
‘How is it going, Matt?’
‘We now know for sure that Vinny James is back on the scene, sir. Grant spotted him at Jonathan’s funeral. We suspect that he might be responsible for the death of Dave Beeson. I would like to offer some protection to Mary James, Vinny’s wife. It seems logical that he might show up there and it could facilitate an arrest.’
‘Why her and not the rest of Jonathan’s gang members?’
‘Ideally, I would like to extend protection to them all, but I know we’d have a hard time justifying the funding. Uniform are informing the ex-gang members while we are visiting Mrs James and Mrs Wylde. We think Harry may be holding something back, so DS Withers will try and talk to him later, sir.’
‘What level of protection are you advocating, Matt?’
‘Ideally, full protection, but I know we can’t run to that. Maybe a patrol car in the road after dark?’
Matt waited, knowing how McRay’s mind worked. He had suggested one of the cheapest options and hoped he would agree. McRay sat back in his chair and scratched his left ear, something he always did when he was weighing things up.
‘We could probably get a patrol car to pass by each hour. Sorry, Matt, think that’s the best I can do.’
Knowing it was no use arguing, Matt accepted the offer with good grace. ‘Thank you, sir.’
Leaving McRay’s office, he rang Mary James to ask if he could visit on the way home.
Chapter 39
‘I’m paying you. That means you don’t fucking tell me what to do. Understand?’
Ops gave a sigh and took his time moving past Vinny to sit at the small table. ‘Now, now, Vinny, just remind me, if you would, why you hired me?’
‘Not to get stuck in this shit hole.’
‘This hole, as you described it, is perfectly adequate for the purpose. You have shelter, food, warmth and companionship. You are also in the heart of the community, exactly where you need to be. No one will find you here.’
‘No bugger else would think to live on a boat in the middle of bloody winter.’
‘If you are unhappy with my services…’
‘It’s not that. I had to see my lad off. Even you can understand that, surely?’
‘If it was that important to you, you should have consulted me. I did not realise attending your son’s funeral was more important than avenging his death.’
‘Well it was. It was worth it too. That bloody copper, the one that arrested me, was there.’
‘This simply gets worse. If you recognised him, then it follows that he also recognised you, or Dan. I take it you coerced him into taking you? This makes my job even harder. Surely, you can see that. I should pull out completely. Yet, this is something I am reluctant to do.’
‘Don’t want to lose out on all that cash, more like.’
‘Believe me, Vinny, that is the least of my worries. I have obtained a reputation for an excellent service and I do not intend to allow your indiscretions to sully what I have worked hard to achieve.’
‘You need to remember what I did for you inside, you pompous shit.’
‘Indeed, I do remember your kindness and protection. Now, sit down and let’s work out the best way forward.’
Vinny hesitated, not used to taking orders from anyone. Ops waited as if it was inevitable that Vinny would obey, tapping his fingers lightly on the plastic table until Vinny slumped onto the bench opposite.
‘Now, my orders were that you stay safely hidden here, while I undertook investigations on your behalf. I am keeping my part of that bargain and have already fed information back to you. I am extremely disappointed that you have gone against my direct orders and acted irresponsibly. You have exposed yourself unnecessarily to the police for a start.’
‘Could pay off, though.’
‘In what way?’
‘I know that copper, much better than he knows me. He’s a drinker. Couple of pints and he’s anyone’s. And, I know some of the pubs he goes to.’
‘This information is certainly useful. However, I cannot comprehend that you fail to recognise the danger this puts you in. Do you imagine this police officer is going to forget that he has seen you? We’ve had you hidden away abroad for some years now and he certainly won’t want to lose you again.’
‘He’s got to find me first.’
‘And you intend to make that easy for him.’
‘No.’
‘Let us come to the other little matter you have forgotten to tell me about.’
‘Like what?’
‘Need I elucidate? I passed on information regarding a certain David Beeson.’
‘That little toad.’
‘Yes, as you put it, that little toad. Here again you took matters into your own hands and now the young man is dead. Was he the one who killed Jonathan?’
‘He wouldn’t have the guts.’
‘So, a completely unnecessary killing?’
‘No. The bloody little sod pissed me off.’
‘And that was worth putting your whole venture in jeopardy, bringing you to the attention of the police, and causing danger to those trying to help you?’
Vinny half rose to reach into the tiny fridge, extracting two cans of beer. He offered one to Ops.
‘No, thank you.’
Vinny swigged back his beer, refusing to look at Ops. The silence in the small cabin grew tense. Finally, Ops broke it. ‘We need to clarify our contract, don’t you think?’
‘I need to be involved. Can’t just sit here playing cards with that dickhead.’
‘So you are unwilling to follow my orders, even those that move you closer to your stated goal of finding and dealing with your son’s killer?’
‘Yes…no. I don’t know.’
‘Then I suggest you take time to think it over. You may let me know if you wish me to continue.’
Ops stood, turning his back on Vinny, and moved to the steps leading to the deck.
‘Wait.’
‘Yes?’
‘Yes. I do…do need your help.’
Ops turned to study Vinny. ‘Very well. Then this is how it will work. You stay put here until I identify the person who killed your son. And—’
‘But…’
‘No buts, none at all. I will tell you what you need to do, and when you need to act. Harry told me about David. Now you have acted on this information, he is, of course, reluctant to trust me. He has, however, given me another name. I will investigate this and let you know if I find anything relevant.’
‘Tell me who it is, you bastard. I’ll find out if it’s relevant or not.’
‘If you imagine for one minute that I would entrust such information to you, after what happened last time, then you are a fool. What I need you to do is write down everything you remember about the detective who arrested you. What is his name?’
‘DI Grant.’
‘Good. He could give us much inside information.’
‘He’s not likely to do that.’
‘I have my methods and you did say he likes a beverage or two.’
‘A kitten wouldn’t be frightened of you.’
‘Then rest assured I shall address him in a language he will understand.’ Ops moved towards the steps again. ‘When you have written down everything you can remember, call me using a new sim card.’
Behind Ops’s back, Vinny stood, stooping to
avoid the roof, and gave his usual salute. He did not intend to sit waiting on Ops to get the information he needed. He had his own methods.
Chapter 40
Kathy greeted them cheerfully, without a twitch of guilt or worry. This time there was no smell of baking coming from the kitchen and she led them into a tidy, if a little overcrowded, living room. ‘Can I get you a cup of tea or coffee, officers?’
They both declined and she sank, somewhat reluctantly Matt thought, into the leather chair by the fire. ‘I thought I would bring you up to date on the case of Jonathan James.’
Matt watched as she shifted her glance away. It was as if she didn’t want to hear. ‘You may have heard that another member of Jonathan James’s gang has been murdered.’
‘Yes, I saw it on the television, Inspector.’
‘We thought at first that the same person had committed both murders, but have decided against that.’ He had her attention now.
‘What changed your mind?’
‘The method of killing. One was almost, if any unlawful death can be, merciful, while the other was brutal in the extreme. The first could have been carried out by a woman, while the second was more obviously a man.’
Her eyes didn’t leave his face. She sat still, almost as if she didn’t want to draw attention to any movement that might signify guilt. He carried on. ‘We now believe that the second murder was mistakenly carried out to avenge the first.’
Now she diverted her eyes, gave a gulp and covered it with a cough before asking, ‘And do you know who carried out these murders, Inspector?’
‘The second, yes.’
‘So you’ve arrested someone?’
‘Not yet. We’re trying to find him before he kills again.’
‘Oh.’
‘We think he is trying to find out who killed Jonathan.’
‘I see. But what is this to do with me?’
‘We’re simply warning anyone connected with Jack’s murder, Mrs Wylde.’
‘Should I be taking any precautions?’
‘I think you’ll be the last person he will think of. But we felt we should let you know.’
She stood up. ‘Thank you, Inspector. I’m most grateful. Oh and whom should I be watching for?’
‘Jonathan James’s father, Vincent, a dangerous and vicious career criminal. He is stocky, light brown hair, goatee beard, about five ten or eleven, early forties. You already have my card, Mrs Wylde. Ring me if you are at all concerned.’
‘I will. Thank you.’
Kathy almost shooed them from the house. Matt waited until they were on their way before speaking. ‘What do you think, Jane?’
‘She’s definitely hiding something. It’s like she either knows who did it or did it herself.’
‘I agree. We’d better keep an eye on her. I don’t want Vinny James to get to her first. If she did kill Jonathan, she might have designs on the others too. Find out a bit more about her. See where she goes, who she sees.’
‘Will do, guv.’
Matt glanced at her. She seemed a little better today. He wondered whether it was the right time to mention Jenny and decided to risk it. ‘You’re looking better.’
‘Thanks.’
‘How’s Jenny?’ He knew immediately from the silence that he had stepped on a sore spot and inwardly cursed.
‘I don’t know. We’re not together anymore.’
‘Oh. Sorry.’
‘No need. I’m with someone else. A fellow patient undergoing physio. We helped each other through it.’
‘Good.’ Matt thought it best not to pry anymore and they continued back to the station in silence.
Chapter 41
It was one thing to plan and carry out a murder herself, but it was another matter that she had caused Vinny James to batter that young man Dave to death. What had she done? The inspector’s description of Jonathan’s dad fitted the man who had been following Dave Beeson last night. She set him on that path and Dave wouldn’t have stood a chance against him. Now she had two deaths on her conscience, three if you counted Ken. What on earth had she become? Should she give herself up, tell Inspector Turrell everything? It would be the way to stop anyone else being hurt. Shaken, she set about making a cup of tea.
While the kettle was boiling, Kathy shut the kitchen window and checked that the back door was locked, resolving to go through the whole house once she had had her tea. After two cups of tea, she began to calm down.
Thinking about the inspector’s visit, she wondered why both he and his constable had come. The woman hadn’t said anything but she had the sense she was watching, waiting for a reaction. Did they suspect her? Kathy couldn’t imagine how they could. She’d strived to keep her responses to a minimum. Did they really think she was on the murderer’s hit list? Maybe they were just trying to scare her and in that case, they had succeeded.
Kathy put her cup in the sink and, satisfied that downstairs was secure, went upstairs, even closing the bedroom window she usually left open.
It was only as she got ready for rehearsal that it struck her. This murderer could be doing her a favour. He was doing what she had set out to do in the first place. Yet, this way, she wouldn’t be able to form a decision about them. Look at Harry; he’d thrown all her theories straight up in the air. She liked him, could see he’d changed and deserved another chance. Vinny James wouldn’t give that a thought. She realised she sounded like both judge and jury. After starting out certain, now she was puzzled. Maybe she was no better or worse than Vinny James, who was also seeking revenge for his son. The man must be very determined to risk his freedom and he’d thought nothing of beating that poor young man to death.
Thinking about Dave from the trial, Kathy remembered him as a pitiful creature who never looked up and who snivelled throughout. Would she have been able to kill him? Kathy doubted it. His sister had spoken up for him. She must be devastated. A new thought struck her: what if Vinny James targeted Harry? She didn’t want him harmed. Maybe she should tell DI Turrell about the man following Dave. Yet how could she do that without giving herself away? Her head in a daze, she filled the kettle again.
Chapter 42
Sam hated these places; the smell reminded him of school dinners with loads of cabbage and sweaty feet. He hated even more being frisked. It should be taken for granted that a police officer would not be bringing forbidden items into a prison. Finally, the officer gave a nod to his companion.
‘Follow me, sir.’
‘Thank you.’
The officer led Sam through several barred gates and corridors before finally stopping at a small room.
‘The first one’s here. Don’t think you’ll get much joy out of Doggy Smith. As soon as you’ve finished with him, we’ll bring you the next one.’
He opened the door and ushered Sam into a small room with minimum furniture, just a table and two chairs. Inside another prison officer stood with arms folded guarding an older man with greying longish hair. Sam wondered if his nickname came from his long face that had a sad hound dog look. ‘Thank you for agreeing to talk to me, Mr Smith.’
‘Can’t do that with him there, can I.’ He nodded towards the guard.
Sam turned. ‘Do you mind?’
The guard grunted and went out.
‘What’s this about then? You gonna get me out of here?’
‘Sorry, I’m not here for that reason.’
‘Bugger it then. Call him back.’
‘You know that Vinny James isn’t serving the same sentence as the rest of you, don’t you?’
‘So?’
‘And that he’s out there enjoying all that freedom plus the money. Your money.’
‘He’ll be keeping it safe.’
‘Will he, though? Just think of all the expenses he’ll have keeping his head down. Who’s to know if he takes
a little dip into funds now and again?’
‘He wouldn’t be so stupid. We’re not going to be in here forever. He’d have the four of us to answer to.’
‘You’d have to find him first.’
Doggy was silent for a moment and Sam could see he was thinking it over in his mind.
‘I know what you’re doing. You buggers are all alike.’
‘What am I doing, Mr Smith?’
‘You’re doing that splitting us up routine. I saw it on Lewis the other day. It ain’t gonna work. I can tell you that.’
Sam silently cursed all TV cop shows and changed track. ‘We’re not after the money, only Vinny.’
‘A likely story. Why chase him now?’
‘Because he’s back in the country and we believe he murdered a young lad.’
‘Why’d he do that?’
‘You might have heard that his son died. We think he’s out to avenge his death.’
‘Bloody hell. He’d do that. Never did let anyone cross him.’
‘So you see, he’s not really thinking straight and is hardly a careful guardian for your money.’
‘I ain’t worried about the money. Vinny’s got it all safely tied up.’
‘Someone to make it look clean?’
Before he could stop himself, Doggy nodded, then realised what he had done and tried to pull back. ‘Here, I didn’t mean that.’
‘It makes no difference to me. We only want to stop Vinny killing again. Of course, when we catch him, as we will, we’ll probably lock him up for a long time. You’d better be sure you know the particulars of who is handling the money. Vinny might be tempted to keep them to himself. If that happens you could be waiting thirty years or so.’
Sam was pleased to see Doggy’s face drop even further, but disappointed when he pushed himself away from the table and folded his arms.