“That could mean the organisation is closing down and shutting up shop,” Peg broke into the meeting with a degree of confidence. “It’s believed that a missing laptop computer holds the key to finding Liz and that’s our number one priority. I suspect it’s still hidden or stored where Valerie put it. What we do know is that Charles would like to get his hands on it to either check what secrets it holds, or simply to destroy it. Failing to accomplish that he will simply move away and start up, whatever illegal activities he controls, elsewhere. We also believe that an unknown production company has seen some or all of the data. We’re no closer to finding them. We think that Valerie’s agent may well more have information than he is divulging, whether this be out of fear we cannot speculate. Certainly he knows what brought about the death of his client. On the other hand, if he were to expose the information, broadcast it and bring it to the attention of the general public anonymously, then he would consider himself safe from harm. It’s a gamble. Who knows?” She sat down.
“Peg believes that Liz is still alive,” Cyril was only too happy to report. “I’ll let her explain.”
“From experience there are two reasons, well there can be three reasons to carry out a kidnap. Firstly, to extort money or favours. We’ve all heard of cases where girls are kidnapped and kept as sex or domestic slaves. This can be common with people traffickers so in this case cannot be ruled out. However, from the videos we have, Valerie appeared to be a willing participant. Secondly, for revenge; one gang kidnaps and kills and the rival gang does the same, or they kidnap to effectuate a mutual release. Usually, with gangland kidnappings it’s the first scenario as I’m sure you’re all aware. There’s also an increased number of incidents where we see children taken abroad by estranged parents, but this doesn’t pertain to Liz’s case. The note attached to the spoke found at Liz’s apartment is key.” She read it out.
‘If you perceive yourself to be clever, and smart, there will be someone waiting to outsmart you.’
“It has a definite implication. We now know that the spoke used to break the window and the one found at Liz’s apartment match, they’re from the wheel found at the scene of the first murder. We know that there has been a number of coincidences running throughout this enquiry. I put it to you that the one person Charles really wants is not DS Graydon, but DCI Bennett. We cannot rule out, either that he intends to demand a swop for Liz or that he is using her as bait to entrap. Should he find Valerie Atkins’s laptop in the meantime, that discovery would have a negative effect on the whole nature of the game. The rules would suddenly alter and he would hold an even stronger hand.”
Cyril’s phone vibrated. He stood and left the room. It was Newby Wiske. They had removed the laptop from store and another video had been received which they were patching through. He returned and walked to the screen at the far end of the room. After Cyril announced the news, there was a deep sense of apprehension as all eyes turned to the screen.
“Anyone who witnessed the first video doesn’t need to stay and watch this.”
Cyril looked at Owen and then at Shakti. Neither left. Shakti came and stood behind Owen, her hands resting on his shoulders. Cyril found the file and clicked on the start.
“Remember, everyone, that whatever we see here has already happened, it’s in the past and we cannot change it.”
The video opened, showing Lizsitting alone in the same room as the previous one. The table was to her right and she faced the camera. The grey-white cover suit was marked with a dark stain around the groin and inner thigh area. Shakti involuntarily squeezed Owen’s shoulders. He raised a hand and placed it on hers. Each of Liz’s legs was taped to those of the chair and her arms, although unseen, were secured behind her. Both her mouth and her eyes were also taped. She seemed alone. The camera focused on her face. She seemed alert her head turning as if listening or trying to sense what was about to happen. It was apparent that she appeared to be testing the strength of her tethers. The cameras then panned to the table before zooming in on two objects, one a bicycle spoke and to its right, a hatpin, its silver, curled head topped with a sapphire-coloured stone. Cyril paused the video.
“That, we believe, is the weapon used to murder both Coulson and Atkins. He looked again. It has all the characteristics of a Charles Horner pin. Note the name, Charles Horner, another one of these rapidly increasing coincidences.”
The video was re-started. A figure appeared from the side of the screen and apart from a Venetian mask, the man was naked. He picked up the pin from the table and moved behind Liz. He held out both hands in a supplicating manner, the pin in the right. The atmosphere in the Incident Room was tense, as people fidgeted, fearing the worst. Cyril saw Shakti lower her head as the hands on screen moved together in front of Liz’s unseeing eyes. Slowly and deliberately, he brought the tip of the pin towards the web-like skin between the finger and thumb of his left hand, before driving the fine steel through the skin. Pomegranate red globules quickly beaded before running and pooling into the now flattened palm. The hand released the elaborately formed and bejewelled crown of the pin, allowing a finger to dip into the human palette of blood.
Cyril stood back a little trying to get a clearer view. The fingertip, acting as a stylus, daubed an eye onto Liz’s forehead, a simple circle trapped within an upper and lower line. As the hands drew away and the camera zoomed in on the image, the scene slowly faded to black. There was no sound nor script.
It was a few moments before Cyril moved; all eyes remained focussed on the dark screen.
“Anybody, positives?” Cyril barked, an obvious anger and frustration in his tone as he moved back to the desk.
“Alive and kicking thankfully,” Owen said, tapping Shakti on the hand. “He’s not our killer, he’s right handed.”
“I don’t think it’s about an eye for an eye.” Shakti’s voice was unsteady. “It’s the third eye. The position on the forehead, it’s the symbol for the inner eye, an eye that gives us perception beyond ordinary sight, an ability to see what might be.”
“I agree, Shakti, it’s another sign, a spoke, if you like, a message. It’s as if they’re informing us that they see the future, that they are controlling the game. What we have to do, ladies and gentlemen, is control that ending. We need to interpret fully the evidence from Cameron’s flat, investigate further the dash cam data, pick up anything out of the ordinary from Operation Hawk. We need to interrogate Cooper and Grant, and I mean interrogation and not interview. They might just give us the lead we need. We must also speak to Valerie’s brother. The only contact we have to date is through the Wigan Police, at this stage I need more. I’ve a contact at Wigan so I’ll be having a word. Anything and everything should be uplifted to the system.” Podmore looked across at Cyril, signalling she had said all that she wanted to say.
“DI Podmore will be here, use her expertise. Owen and Shakti will collect Grant, Ruth is bringing in Cooper whilst Mortimer will be going off to bed with our thanks. After what you’ve seen this morning, I hope you can sleep.”
***
Grant had been unable to view anything on the laptop, the battery was too low and it had not been supplied with a charging lead. He was not happy at all. He read through the note that Valerie had written to her brother, her handwriting was so familiar and he felt a pang of guilt. However, he was also a realist, this information and the promise of a commission was critical to the Agency’s future, the prestige would be invaluable even considering the continued risk he ran.
It had to be said that he was more than a little scared. He knew that if whoever had killed Val were to discover that he was now in possession of the information, then his life was in definite danger. Once the data was safely in the hands of the production company, he felt that he could relax. However, he just could not arrive at their doorstep with a computer that, for one, did not work and for two might be totally blank. Until he had seen the content himself, he was in limbo.
***
Ruth knocked
at Cooper’s door, still choosing to ignore the bell. Surprisingly he was out of bed and even though he looked startled to see her, he did appear a little more human than on the previous visits.
“Bloody hell, Ruth what time do you call this? Problem?”
“You look better than I’ve seen you in a long time. The eyes are looking a little less like piss holes in snow.”
“Thanks for that, bet you say that to all the boys! Now you didn’t come all this way to compliment me on my appearance, So…?”
“No problem, John, you’re needed at the station to look at some evidence that’s come to light.DCI Bennett asked me to call, he needs you to confirm whether the stuff ever belonged to Valerie. Would it be convenient today, now even? I’ll run you there and back?” She smiled, trying to appeal to his better nature. “It would help me too.” She now lied.
“Of course! Will it take all morning?”
Ruth simply shook her head. She hated compromising her professional position; trust and honesty were key words within the relationships that she had to develop, so this charade did not sit comfortably. True, Cyril had put a few pieces together for him to look at but that in a way seemed to make matters worse.
***
Peg and Smirthwaite checked through the latest Forensic evidence received from Cameron’s flat and concentrated on two photographs; one clearly showed her standing with Valerie Atkins in front of a waterwheel, in the other she was at her desk at the Stray Agency.
“Do we know where this was taken?” Peg pointed to the waterwheel.
“That’s Wath just outside Pateley Bridge. It’s the old mill, now converted into apartments. It’s by a pub called The Bridge, I think, Cyril would know the name of the pub. It’s a regular tourist stopping point. There must be hundreds of pictures like this one with tourists standing in front of the mill wheel. Give me a minute.”
Brian Smirthwaite brought up Google Earth and then Street View.
“Here, look. The mill wheel is huge.”
“So we have cars operating in that area now?”
“And the chopper. Anything out of the ordinary will be checked.”
***
Cyril had driven into town after receiving a text message from Linda, the overly friendly Receptionist at the local auction house. He leaned through the Reception, opening determined to keep some defence between them.
“Thanks for the text, Linda. Two pins you say and a painting? What’s so special?”
“I just happened to be talking to Mr Haveringham, the director of Ilkley’s Auction House about your search for Charles Horner pins and he said that they had two in the next sale. A woman brought them in for valuation along with a lovely little painting. What interested me more, and I thought you’d be interested too, was the fact that this lady didn’t leave a contact address only a number. That’s usually a no, no! Could have been stolen or… anyway, Colin Crompton accepted the items for the Fine Art sale in November, it’s on the 25th. I believe you know Colin? Anyway, just thought you should know.”
She turned the computer screen round and flicked through all the items photographed in the sale catalogue.
Cyril looked up Haveringham Auction’s telephone number.
“Colin Crompton, please! “Cyril looked at Linda and smiled. “Appreciate this, Linda.”
Cyril could hear a few voices in the background as Colin was called to the phone.
“Colin, it’s Cyril Bennett. Linda tells me you’ve taken in two Charles Horner pins. What do you know about them?”
Colin explained the story and then described the painting. “Strange woman, Mr Bennett. Allegedly bought it at a car boot sale along with the pins. Everyone says that these days!”
“Colin, I want you to put them in safe keeping. I’m going to have to seize all three items, two might have been used in a serious crime. Have they been exposed to the public?”
“The painting has been hanging in the Director’s Office. He usually chooses a picture from each Fine Art sale to hang in his room especially if we use it for the catalogue cover. The Migliaro is particularly attractive. As for the pins, only staff, they were put in the cabinet almost straight away. They’ve been photographed.”
“Seen the catalogue. I’ll send someone today for a statement and to collect the items. You wouldn’t happen to have any CCTV of our mystery woman would you?”
“I’ll check. Probably, providing the system was running on the day. Like many things here, Mr Bennett, it can be a little temperamental.”
Cyril turned and thanked Linda. “I owe you a good bottle of red.”
“My pleasure I’ll hold you to that!”
***
Owen and Shakti escorted Grant through the Reception area and straight to an interview room ensuring that both Cooper and Grant saw each other. Ruth sat with Cooper awaiting Cyril’s return. It was a five-minute wait.
He smiled at Ruth and shook Cooper’s hand.
“Thanks for coming in Mr Cooper, I’ll be just a couple of minutes.”
Cyril leaned over the counter and requested collection of the items from the auction house. “Send Nixon and ask him to call me when he gets back.” The duty officer then handed him a note left by DI Podmore. “It’s urgent, Sir.” Cyril read the note and smiled.
He ushered Cooper to another interview room and called for two coffees.
Owen and Shakti were already facing Grant. Peg Podmore was watching both interviews on screen.
“I’ve told you everything you need to know, I know nothing more.”
“The railway station cameras have been very helpful to you, Mr Grant. CCTV corroborated your story for last Friday. They can, however, be a double-edged sword.” Owen left it there and enjoyed watching Grant’s confused facial contortions.
“Sorry, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Has your car been stolen?”
“What? Has it bloody hell, you parked behind it when you invited me here.”
“Why were you travelling in your car along the East Lancashire Road, the A580, yesterday evening? Seems a long way to go for a brief visit. According to our records, your car was then seen returning forty minutes later. Go for a pie? After all, Wigan’s famous for that culinary delight.”
Grant’s face was now scarlet, the tell tale sweat marks were growing ever more noticeable.
Owen took delight in leaning over the table and formally cautioning Grant. “Just to make sure, Mr Grant, that you’re in no doubt as to the serious trouble you might be in, let me remind you that a senior police officer has been missing for four days and we feel that you’re withholding vital information that may be obstructing her recovery. At the moment we believe she’s still alive. However, should those circumstances change and we find that the information you’re withholding could have…” Owen did not continue.
Peg Podmore left the surveillance area after handing a memory stick to the other officer. “On my signal.”
She knocked before entering the interview room. Owen looked round.
“May I ask the suspect a question, DS Owen?”
The word suspect made Grant sit up straight. “I’ve told you everything I know!”
“Before you say anything else, may I remind you that you’re under oath. You’ve been informed that this interview is being filmed and recorded for your sake as well as ours.” She smiled at him. Owen shivered; she was like a snake eyeing its prey. “I want you to look at that screen.” She lifted her hand.
Grant didn’t immediately recognise the scene, it was only when he saw himself appear at the glass doors, the German Shepherd and the caretaker that his worst fears were confirmed. Podmore lifted her hand for the second time and the video stopped.
“Now, humour me, Mr Grant. What did you sign for? What exactly was in the package? It wouldn’t be a laptop would it by any chance?”
Grant shook his head but then nodded.
“I need a verbal answer, Mr Grant. Is that your signature?”
“Yes.
”
“Now, Mr Grant, you are in extremely serious trouble. We’re looking at possibly murder or an accessory to murder. Shall we start at the beginning?”
Owen looked at Shakti and smiled. Podmore certainly was impressive.
***
Cooper looked at the three items and confirmed that two, as far as he was aware, belonged to Val, the third he was unsure of.
“Thanks, Mr Cooper.” Cooper started to stand. “Just one more thing.”
Cooper smiled and sat down.
“Can you tell me why Frederick Grant, your partner’s agent, should meet up with her brother, to collect something from him, in fact?”
Cooper’s whole demeanour changed, he suddenly became more rigid.
“I can see there’s awareness in your eyes. Before we do the next bit…” Cyril cautioned him. “It’s serious now. This information, Mr Cooper, has only just come to light, I’ve not yet seen it.”
He waved his hand and the screen on the far wall lit up. The footage of Grant arriving at the school Reception showed. When it finished, Cyril turned to him.
“What did Mr Grant collect? I know that you know.”
It took all of thirty minutes for Cooper to explain the call from James Atkins, Grant’s belief that getting Val’s laptop to him would be a testimonial to Val’s legacy and also the possibility of royalties. It had to be said that he cut a dejected figure.
***
The police car gradually brought the box van to a halt as the unmarked car closed tightly behind. It also closed Red Brae Bank. The passenger in the van threw open the door and jumped the fence before running into thick woodland. The driver tried to do the same but was caught on the barbed wire fence. It had just been a routine stop, the vehicle was licensed to a rental firm based in Halifax. The bolting occupants confirmed that the stop was justified. When they rolled up the rear shutter door the officers were in absolutely no doubt. Eight, young, dark-skinned females were huddled in the far end of the van accompanied by sixteen large bags of what appeared to be drugs.
Game Point Page 17