by M A Comley
Lorne nodded. “Can you make out what type of car it is?”
“Not really, does it matter?”
“I don’t suppose it does. I just like to know what we’re dealing with. It could be another van full of criminals or a sporty car whose occupants could put their foot down and not be seen for dust. Also, we need to make notes of any vehicle plates we can read.”
Katy slowed the vehicle down to a near halt. “You’re over-thinking things as usual, Lorne. I agree on the plates though. We could match them up at work tomorrow.”
Derek tapped Katy’s headrest. “Pull in here. I think we should get a closer look on foot. Are you two ladies up for it?”
“I am. Pass my trainers over, will you, Derek?”
“I wish we’d come with backup. I have a nasty feeling about this,” Katy groaned, switching off the engine.
Lorne patted her thigh. “You worry too much. If things get heated, we run back to the car and drive off. We’ll be extra vigilant as always. Think positive, Katy.”
They crept out of the car and gently closed the doors behind them. Lorne led the way to the edge of the car park. Still shielded by the high hedge, they managed to get within six feet of the van. Lorne held a finger up to her lips, warning Katy and Derek to be quiet and to listen. Over the night air, they could hear what sounded like two men arguing inside the van, then the unmistakable sound of fists hitting their target.
“Shit, it’s kicking off in there,” Derek stated unnecessarily.
Lorne looked over her shoulder. “Get ready to run.”
Suddenly their attention was drawn back to the van. The door flew open, two men jumped out and ran back to the car, that they had seen arrive. Derek tugged at Lorne’s jumper. “We should get a closer look at what’s happening in the van as soon as those guys drive off.”
“Can you see the plate number?” Katy asked.
“Can’t quite make it out. If only there was a streetlight nearby.” Lorne’s frustration mounted when she watched the car speed out the same way it had come in.
Derek squeezed through a gap in the hedge before either Lorne or Katy could stop him. “Idiot,” Katy cursed, following him through the twiggy gap.
Lorne called for Derek to stop, but he jumped in the open door of the van. He disappeared out of sight only to come hurtling back out a few seconds later as the van exploded. He landed on the tarmac on his back. Lorne and Katy shielded their faces from the heat of the blaze and ran over to help their unconscious friend. Each lifting one of Derek’s arms, they dragged him backwards out of harm’s way.
Lorne quickly dialled 999. The fire took hold before their eyes and was raging out of control in no time due to the amount of liquor on board, so there was no point in attempting to save anyone else who may have been inside the van.
“Shit, that’s fierce. Hurry up, guys,” Katy begged.
Lorne strained her ear. In the distance, she heard the wail of sirens getting closer. Tapping his face, she asked, “Derek…Derek, can you hear me? Please answer me.”
His eyes flickered open, and he smiled broadly. “I’m okay. I thought if I pretended to be unconscious one of you two ladies might take pity on me and give me mouth-to-mouth.”
His quip earned him a punch from both of the detectives. “Did you manage to see anything when you got inside the van?”
“No. The second I stepped inside, a large flash and a huge ball of light came towards me. I haven’t got a clue how many people were in there or who they were or what they were doing.”
“Never mind. I think we can safely presume that whoever was inside is now dead and that there was a large amount of liquor on board for it to go up like that. Here’s the fire brigade now,” Katy pointed as not one, but two fire engines sped towards them.
• • •
By the time all the necessary departments arrived and took over the scene, it was past midnight before Lorne placed her key in the back door. Henry came to meet her. She crouched, wrapped her arms around him, and snuggled into his fur. “It’s been a bad night, and mummy needs a cuddle.” The dog whimpered and gave her his paw. Cuddle complete and feeling slightly better, Lorne stood up and boiled the kettle.
Cradling her coffee, she was contemplating the disastrous events of the evening when a sleepy Tony crept into the kitchen. He sat in the chair beside her, a concerned expression settled on his face.
“I take it things didn’t go according to plan?”
“Nope, it was a complete disaster. The bloody van blew up. We’re not sure if it was a deliberate attempt of arson or if it was some kind of accident. I’m banking on the former.”
“Shit! Was anyone hurt?”
“Whoever, if anyone, was inside the van didn’t make it out. We’re not sure how many people were in there. Derek was at the entrance to the van just before the explosion occurred. He was catapulted into the air—no lasting damage though, thank goodness.”
“So it was a total waste of time then?”
“You could say that. The van was joined by another car, but the car park was so dark we didn’t get a look at the plate. That’s the annoying part really. All we saw were the outlines of two men getting out of the car and making their way to the stationary van. Once they were inside, some sort of argument took place, then the two guys left the van, not long after that, and just as Derek approached it, the van exploded, boom.”
Tony rubbed the back of her hand. “Sorry, love. Maybe there’ll be nearby cameras that will shed some light on the vehicles and their occupants.”
Lorne’s mood brightened. “You’re right, of course. I’ll get AJ on it first thing.”
“You’ll need to ring him from here. You’ve got a funeral to attend in the morning, remember?”
It was then that Lorne noticed a sheet of paper with Charlie’s handwriting propped up against the salt and pepper shakers in the middle of the table. She reached out and read the contents, wiping away the odd tear so it wouldn’t drip onto the sheet. She looked up at Tony. “Did you help her with this?”
“No. It’s all her own work. I’m not too proud to admit that it moved me to tears too.”
“It’s beautiful. I wouldn’t change a thing.”
He rose from his chair and held his hand out for her to take. “Come on, time for bed. You’ve got another long day ahead of you tomorrow.”
She kissed him. “I love you. Thanks for taking us both on—not every man would have done that.”
He smiled down at her, his eyes sparkling. “It works both ways. Some women would have run a mile once their fella had a limb amputated.”
They climbed the stairs together and proved how much they meant to each other in a more intimate way once their bedroom door closed behind them.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Lorne stretched in the warm morning sun sneaking through the curtains. She patted the bed beside her, expecting Tony to be lying there, but was disappointed to find him missing.
Seconds later the door opened, and he walked in carrying a tray with what smelt like a cooked breakfast. “Is that what I think it is?” Lorne sat up, licking her lips, and pulled her towelling robe around her naked body.
He placed the wooden tray across her lap. “I thought you needed something substantial to set you up for the day. You probably haven’t eaten since lunchtime yesterday, have you?”
Lorne’s mouth twisted. “You’re right. I forgot. This is wonderful, thank you.” She raised her chin to accept a kiss.
Charlie came running into the room. “Pardon me for interrupting. We have to leave in an hour, Mum. Will you be ready in time?”
“Of course.” Lorne reached out for her daughter’s hand. “I read the eulogy—it’s perfect, darling.”
“Thanks, Mum. Our little chat helped me a lot. I’m going to grab a shower, unless there’s one of those waiting for me downstairs, dearest stepfather?”
“There is. It’s keeping warm in the oven. Since when do I make food for your mother without thinking of you?�
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“You’re a star. I’ll have that first then. I’m starving. Enjoy your breakfast, Mum.”
Lorne and Tony sniggered when she darted out of the room, thinking of her stomach as usual. “Eat that and then you better ring the station,” Tony suggested.
She savoured the bacon, sausage, and beans and washed it down with the mug of strong coffee, then jumped in the shower. Dressed in her tailored black skirt suit and mid-height, patent shoes, she joined Charlie and Tony downstairs in the kitchen. She placed her dirty plate in the sink and switched on the kettle.
Picking up her mobile, she rang the station and instructed AJ to search through the CCTV footage of the area around the car park where the previous night’s incident had taken place. Then she asked AJ to put her through to Katy.
“Hi, Lorne. How are you feeling this morning?”
“Fair to middling, you?”
“Yeah, I’m getting there. I didn’t get much sleep last night. What time will you be here today? There’s no rush, I just wondered.”
“Probably about one, if that’s okay? I’ll have to drive Charlie home first. I’ve instructed AJ to look at the CCTVs around the car park. Do you think it would be worth paying Paul Rathbone a visit this afternoon? He was released a few days ago pending the CPS report and the charges they want to lay on him.”
“Good call. He might be able to tell us what that was all about last night.”
“If he’s still alive. For all we know, he could’ve been inside the van when it went up.”
“Only one way to find out. I rang Patti earlier. She said a colleague of hers was dealing with the case, it’s going to be a few days before she can let us know how many people were in the van, which is totally understandable given the circumstances,” Katy said with a sigh.
“Okay, I better fly. See you later.” Lorne hung up and flung an arm around Charlie’s shoulder. “Are you ready, sweetie?”
Charlie kissed her on the cheek. “I suppose so. Let’s go.”
Tony wished them both good luck and waved them off at the door. Within twenty minutes they arrived at the church. Walking in through the large oak doors, Lorne was amazed by the sheer volume of people who were already seated. Wendy must have been a popular girl. Lorne led the way to the front of the church where, at Wendy’s mother’s insistence, they sat among Wendy’s direct family.
The organ struck up and the whole congregation stood as the coffin proceeded up the aisle. Charlie clutched Lorne’s hand, her grip increasing as the coffin came closer. Lorne turned, winked, and smiled encouragingly at her daughter, urging her to stay strong.
The priest guided the pallbearers, showing them where to position the coffin. Once in place, he put a large framed picture of Wendy on the top before he made his way over to the pulpit to begin the service. He told the gathering what an absolute travesty it was for them to be united under such circumstances.
After the priest had spoken for over ten minutes, he invited Wendy’s mother to join him. Through tears, Gina Fuller said farewell to her only child. Once Wendy’s mother had left the priest’s side, he summoned Charlie to join him. On trembling legs, Charlie walked past the coffin, running her hand tenderly down the length of it in a gesture that took Lorne’s breath away. Charlie read her eulogy with poise and dignity, and the heartfelt words caused several people in the crowd to reach for their tissues. Charlie finished her speech by saying: “I’ll never forget the good times we shared, Wendy. I look forward to sharing more fun and laughter with you on the other side in the future. I love you.”
Lorne watched her daughter return to her seat with a major ache in her heart.
Why was this allowed to happen to such an innocent young girl?
The highly emotional morning reinforced Lorne’s stake in the case and her determination to bring the culprits to justice.
• • •
The drive home was carried out in contemplative quiet. Tony greeted them when they left the car. Charlie hugged her mum. “Thanks for coming with me, Mum. It meant a lot.”
“You’re welcome, sweetie. Why don’t you go and have a lie-down, eh?”
“I think I will. See you later.”
From the driveway, Lorne and Tony silently watched their confident, yet devastated daughter enter the house.
Once Charlie was out of sight, Tony whispered, “Everything go all right?”
“I’m not sure I would have conveyed that much courage at her age. She’s so brave.”
“She has an excellent role model and a wealth of experience compared to other girls of her age. That works a lot in her favour.”
“Yeah, I know. Look, I better get to work now, I told Katy I’d be there around one-ish.”
He kissed her on the cheek and closed the door after she slid into the car. “Drive carefully, love you.”
• • •
When Lorne walked in the office, she found Katy standing next to AJ, viewing his computer monitor.
“Hey, take a look at this,” her partner pointed at the screen.
“Hmm…that’s interesting. Have you run the plates yet?”
“Not yet. AJ has only just managed to locate the car on the footage. We’re running the plates through the database now. AJ’s been at it all morning. How did the funeral go? Dumb question, I know.”
Lorne shrugged. “As well as could be expected. Charlie did me proud.”
“I never had a doubt that she wouldn’t. Let’s leave AJ to find out about the vehicle while we have a coffee. Have you had lunch?”
“No, I couldn’t eat a thing. Coffee would be good though.”
Katy ate a sandwich while Lorne drank her coffee. They discussed the plan of action ahead of them for the afternoon, and as soon as lunch was over, they put that plan into action. Stopping by AJ’s desk on the way out, he told them the vehicle’s plates were fake.
Yet another dead end to frustrate them.
• • •
Lorne knocked on Paul Rathbone’s front door and was surprised when a well-presented woman, who looked to be in her forties answered the door.
“Yes?”
Katy took the lead and showed the woman her warrant card. She introduced the two of them and asked if Paul was at home and available for a chat.
“Come in, he’s in his room. I’ll give him a call.” She put her hand on the banister and shouted, “Paul, get down here, now.”
They heard what sounded like a petulant child stomping his feet as he walked across his bedroom floor. Paul appeared at the top of the stairs, his hair sticking out in all directions and a scowl contorting his features. “What do you two want?”
“Don’t you dare speak to the officers like that! Get down here,” his mother’s voice was harsh and did nothing to disguise her anger.
He trudged down the stairs and cautiously passed his mother. The youth neglected to duck, and his mother clipped him around the head once he thought he was out of her reach. “Cut that attitude out. You’re in enough shit as it is, boy. You cooperate with the detectives, or I’ll be straight on the phone to your grandfather, am I making myself clear?”
He walked into the lounge and threw over his shoulder, “Yes, Mum, I hear you.”
“Can I get you ladies a cup of tea?” Paul’s mother asked with a hesitant smile.
“No, we’re fine, thank you.” Katy responded. She leaned in and added, “You can sit in, if you like. I think we’ll make better progress if you do.”
“Thank you. His grandfather—my husband left years ago—and I have threatened to throw this one out the door for good. We’re appalled at what he’s got up to. Had we known he was involved in anything like this, we would’ve informed you ourselves. We’re an upstanding family, and he’s dirtied our name. We’re none too happy.”
“I’m sorry that your son got roped into this gang. Is he usually easily led?”
“Not usually. That’s what we can’t understand. He’s always been a grade-A kind of lad. It saddens me that he’s turned out th
e way he has. His grandfather has always treated him like his own son, so there’s no excuse for him not having a positive male role model around.”
Katy patted the woman’s upper arm. “Now, don’t go blaming yourself. I’m sure all this is about money. The temptation to earn easy money is powerful to the youth of today. We’re coming across more and more evidence that supports that fact every day. Mind if we go in?”
The woman motioned for them to take a seat on the sofa and stood, arms folded in a no-nonsense stance, alongside her son, who was slouching in the single armchair near the bay window.
“Right, Paul. When was the last time you made contact with Troy Wardley?” Katy asked. Lorne took out her notebook.
The boy shrugged, his focus glued to the carpet in front of him. His mother swiped the back of his head swiftly.
“Ouch. Can I get her for child abuse?” he asked, a smirk quickly appearing.
Neither the detectives nor his mother found the question amusing. Katy repeated her question.
“I ain’t seen him since I got arrested.”
“Is that true? So you had nothing to do with the incident that occurred last night?” Katy pressed.
Paul’s head swivelled between the three women. “What incident?”
His mother coughed slightly. “I can vouch that he was at home all last night, detectives.”
Katy looked up at Mrs. Rathbone. “Well, that throws a different light on things.”
“What happened last night?” Paul asked again.
“All in good time. So you know nothing about a mobile distillery?”
“A what? Are you crazy? I’ve never even heard about anything like that.”
“So, where did or does Troy buy the booze from, if you’re insisting your innocence in all of this?”
“I am innocent. He bought the booze, I gave him some money, and we split the profit. I swear I know nothing about a mobile distillery.”
Lorne and Katy exchanged looks. Lorne gave a curt nod to say that she believed what the youth was saying. Lorne stood up to leave, and Katy did the same. “Okay, we’ll get back to you if we need more information. If Troy gets in touch, please urge him to contact us, okay?”