by M A Comley
“Yeah, very harsh. Not that I want to put you off or anything.” He grinned broadly.
“Well, I’m willing to give it a try if you’ll have me.”
Lorne went over to hug her friend. “You, dear lady, are what is commonly known as an angel in disguise.”
“I know. You might want to take a seat again, love.”
Lorne fell back into her chair with a heavy thud. “Okay, reveal all. What have you seen?”
“There’s trouble brewing, dear. I can’t quite tell you what just yet, but I fear it is connected to the case you’re dealing with. Leave me a while to sort it out, and I’ll tell you the news as I receive it. Now, what’s all this paperwork about? The TV interview?”
“Yes. We’ve had about forty calls. The object of the interview was to try and find the person who dumped poor Onyx and to possibly find new homes for her and the pups.”
“And? No, wait—let me tell you.” Carol closed her eyes and rocked back and forth as she tuned into the information being fed to her by her spirit guides. Opening her eyes, she pointed at a piece of paper in front of Lorne. “There, that’s her owner, vile man. There’s something not quite right about him. The spirits are telling me you need to handle him with caution.”
“Well, that matches what we thought. Two people contacted us and gave the same name. We were just debating that when you arrived. So, you’re saying it would be a good idea to go and see him mob-handed?”
“You know I can’t be more specific than that, dear. Just be aware that he’s a sandwich short of a picnic and approach with care. As to a suitable home for Onyx, look no further.” She pointed at her chest. “I’ll have the cutie. You know she’d be well cared for and want for nothing. She could even come to work with me once I start my new job. I hear my new bosses are very understanding in that respect.”
They all laughed. Lorne hugged Carol again. “You’re wonderful, Carol. I’d be super happy for Onyx to have you as her new mummy. Let’s keep her here for a little while, at least until her course of treatment has finished, and then you can take her home with you. How’s that?”
“That’s brilliant. I can help Charlie care for her here daily. That way, she’ll get used to me quicker than if I dropped by and picked her up like a stranger. I know she has trust issues, and after having a telling vision about her previous owner, I can see why she finds it hard to trust humans. I hope you finally catch up with the bastard and string him up for the dreadful things he’s done to that dog. I fear you’re going to have a job on your hands tracking him down, though.”
“Thanks for the warning. I’ll get onto the RSPCA tomorrow to see if they can give me any past details on him. Maybe he’s had prior warnings issued. You never know. Wait a minute—when you arrived, you mentioned you had news about the case I’m involved in. Were you talking about Onyx’s case?”
Carol frowned. “No. The case you’re dealing with regarding some missing men. Clues are a little light for both of us at present, I’m guessing. My spirit guides keep flinging things at me which I just wanted to pass on to you.”
“Such as?” Lorne asked.
“This is going to sound totally out there, and I’m really not sure what it has to do with anything in today’s world, but you need to be aware of what they’re telling me. They keep showing me a huge hill—more like a mountain, I suppose—and the name Pendle or Pemble. The name’s not coming across very clearly.”
Lorne shrugged. “In this area? Huge mountains or hills? I suppose there would be similar kinds of landscapes right out in the countryside, but to be honest, we’re looking at crimes within the London area, all within a five-mile radius of each other. That just seems bizarre to me and completely irrelevant.”
“I’m just passing on the message, as usual. I’ll ask you to go back to past experience, Lorne, and please just bear the information in mind when delving into the case. All right?”
“Anything else you can tell us, Carol?”
She closed her eyes again and rocked. “Only that I’m picking up some kind of cave with stone walls and shackles. That could be anything, though, couldn’t it?”
“Hardly anything! Are there any caves in the area? Do you know, Tony?” Lorne glanced at her husband, who appeared to be equally perplexed.
“Along the coast, possibly. Not in the location you’re looking into, love.”
“See? This is what I’m up against on this one. The only piece of concrete evidence we have is that one man was attacked with a woman’s stiletto heel, and the two men who have been reported as missing left their place of work willingly with a group of women.”
“Can you identify the women?” Carol asked.
“They’re a little too far away from the camera to make a positive ID. We couldn’t quite make out the number plates of the vehicles, either.”
“That’s a shame. I think that will be your main clue in breaking the case.”
“I’m intending to chase that up tomorrow. AJ was going to sort that side of things out for us while Katy and I were on the road today. We need to follow these two cars on the CCTV footage. It’s all we have.”
“For now.” Carol noted cryptically.
“Are you hinting you’ve seen more surrounding this case?”
“Yes, I’ve seen more. It’s all rather confusing at present. If I let you have everything at once, it could lead you down the wrong routes and delay any arrests you want to make. Just be satisfied with what I’ve given you so far, and we’ll go from there, okay?”
“It’s going to have to be okay, if you’re eager to sit on the other clues,” Lorne bit back harshly. “I’m sorry. That came out the wrong way. I’m just frustrated up to here right now.” She held her hand flat two inches above her head.
“I understand. Bear with me. As soon as things become clearer, I’ll be sure to let you know. Use the clues I have given you wisely, and they’ll guide you in the end, providing you don’t turn your back on them. Oh, and by the way, Tony, when you resurrect the old PI business, your help will prove to be invaluable in cracking this case.”
Lorne and Tony turned to each other and shook their heads.
“Really? That’s good to know we’ll be working together in the near future,” Tony replied, giving Lorne’s hand a quick squeeze.
“We need to make a few calls before you start touting the business around. It’s in my name, don’t forget. I’ll get it transferred. That should be easy enough to do.” She raised her mug, and the three of them clicked the pottery together over the middle of the table. “To us, all of us. What an incredible team.”
CHAPTER TEN
First thing at work the following morning, Lorne rang the RSPCA to make the enquiries about Gary Metcalfe, the man who she assumed to be Onyx’s owner. She was disappointed that they had nothing on record for either the man or the dog, but the worker assured her that someone would be willing to look into the case. Then she asked AJ if the footage had shown up anything while they were out the previous day.
“Not so far. I followed the two cars through the town and out into the countryside. That’s where it ends. Unfortunately, no CCTV cameras exist past the outskirts of the town.”
Katy walked into the incident room. “Morning, folks. Any news?”
“Morning. Not really. I’d like a private chat if that’s okay.” Lorne smiled wearily.
“Of course, come on through. I’ll grab a coffee on the way. Had the night from hell last night, regarding my folks.” Katy bought them each a coffee, then they entered her office. She shut the door behind Lorne and motioned for her to take a seat opposite her own chair. “What’s up?”
“I had a visit from Carol last night. That can wait, though. What’s wrong with your parents? Anything I can do to help?”
“Nope, same old, same old. ‘When are we going to see you?’ and all that crap. You know how demanding this job is, Lorne. Why can’t I make them understand how draining it is being a DI? Even at home, I’m still on the job.” She prodde
d the side of her head. “This doesn’t switch off, ever. If I’m not thinking over possible leads to a case, I’m mulling over what paperwork to finish up first when I return the next day. I haven’t slept a full eight hours in months now. Between you and me, I’m exhausted, mentally and physically. How did you ever cope? You had Charlie to bring up on top of all the other shit thrown at you.”
“That’s just it—I didn’t. Tom looked after Charlie while I was at work. Many a time, I used to say to Dad, ‘There’s got to be more to life than this.’ The trouble is, I loved my job. Dedication drove me on, just like it will you, hon. Stick with it. Don’t let your parents’ moaning grind you down and force you to do something foolish that you’ll regret later. I see so many comparisons in us, Katy. Don’t for goodness’ sake jack the job in to please others. The decision, if that’s what is running through your mind, has to come from here, too.” Lorne held her hand over her heart. “Look inside. You’re not going to appreciate what I’m about to say next, but I’m going to say it all the same: you need support. Not around here. I mean at home, preferably from a partner who understands the type of stress you have to deal with on a daily basis.”
Katy groaned. “How did I know this conversation would come back to me and AJ?”
“Because it makes sense. He adores you. Listen to your heart, Katy, and everything else will slot naturally into place. I’ve told you what the solution is—get AJ shifted off the team, and then you two can start a relationship, not that you haven’t already.” She grinned at the shocked look on her partner’s face. “Deny it all you like. I know the signs of when two people are in love and made for each other.”
“You’re incorrigible, Lorne Warner.”
“I know. That’s why you love me. AJ would be a loss to the department—there’s no denying that—but he can be replaced. I think he should be in line for a promotion anyway. He’s got it in him to go far in the force, just like you have. All right, you’ve had a helping hand from your daddy but…”
“You cheeky mare! Is that really what you think? You believe all the gossip that I’ve had tied around my neck from day one?”
“No, I do not. Don’t tell me you’ve lost your sense of humour now, too?”
“Nope. Let me think on this for a while. And yes, AJ and I have been seeing each other. And yes, I think it could be getting serious between us. Take that victorious look off your face, woman.”
Lorne punched the air and shot out of the chair to hug her friend. “I’m so pleased for you.” She pretended to zip her lips together. “My lips are sealed on the subject. Are you going to look into working apart?”
“Yes, we’ve discussed it. He’s a tremendous support to me. A real gem.”
“All that, and he’s loaded, too. What more could a girl want?” She smirked as Katy shook her head.
“Money doesn’t matter to me, Lorne. It never has done. Anyway, his father has always told AJ to pay his own way. I doubt he’ll get any inheritance or other funds coming his way until his old man passes away. Yikes, that sounded awful. You know what I’m getting at, right?”
“Yeah, I understand. He has to be admired. It must have been excruciatingly hard for him over the years. I wish you guys the best of luck. If ever two people were meant to be together, it’s you two.”
“Right, thanks.” Katy’s cheeks coloured up.
“Anyway, back to business. Carol Lord paid me a visit last night. She’s had several visions and wasn’t sure what to make of them. She believes they’re firmly connected with the case we’re working on.”
“Well?”
“She picked up some kind of cave or a stone-walled place, the name Pendle or Pemble, and some form of mountain or very large hill.”
“Something sounds familiar with Pendle. Maybe run a search on Google for that in a sec. Is that it?”
“And shackles. Yes, that’s it. Mind you, while she was there, she also told us who Onyx’s owner was, too. I’ve followed up that lead with the RSPCA. One of their inspectors is dropping around to see him today.”
“That’s excellent news. Let’s hope they throw the book at him. I’m not sure what to make of the clues pertaining to this case, though, Lorne. They seem a little far-fetched, don’t you think?”
“Initially, that’s what I thought. However, if you add what Carol said to the few clues we’ve stumbled across already, things do seem to go hand in hand. Shackles, women abducting the men—could these women be holding the men in some sort of cave or cellar even?”
“It’s not unfeasible. For what purpose?” Katy asked.
“I don’t know. Fifty Shades of Grey type of thing, S&M, bondage. Who knows? I’m just throwing it out there.”
“Hmm…you could be right. Similar cases in this vein have come to the fore since that book hit the charts. Why don’t you go check the Internet while I sort through this lot?” She picked up her large mound of post and threw it back on the desk.
After leaving Katy’s office, Lorne booted up one of the computers and sat down with her coffee at the desk. Nothing of any significance showed up for Pemble, so she typed in Pendle—and bam! For a few seconds, her eyes were glued to the screen. She scrambled out of her chair and barged into Katy’s office. “Witches!”
“What about them?” Katy asked, tilting her head.
“Pendle Hill is renowned for witches and witchcraft.”
Katy bounced back in her chair. “I told you I recognised the name from somewhere. It’s in Lancashire, my neck of the woods. But that’s miles away. How could it be connected with a case in London?”
“You know how Carol’s visions work. They come in dribs and drabs most of the time. My thinking is that maybe we’re working on a witchcraft case.” Lorne raked her fingertips through her hair. “God, in this day and age, is that even conceivable?”
“Are you kidding me? I would have thought that to be an unnecessary question, Lorne. Anything and everything can be considered conceivable nowadays. Christ, where do we start on a case like that? These women are sure to have covered their tracks well, aren’t they?”
“Why don’t we call the team together and bounce some ideas around?”
“Good idea. I should be free in about half an hour. Will you arrange the meeting and delve into things relating to witchcraft in the London area in the meantime? A search might throw something up. You never know.”
Lorne left the office, still feeling a little shell-shocked. “Hey, guys, I’ve stumbled across something that is going to blow this case wide open—witches.”
Mouths open, the other four members of the team turned their attention to Lorne.
Shaking his head, AJ asked, “Did I hear correct? Witches? As in dressed in black capes and pointed hats variety?”
“I’m not sure I’d go that far, AJ, but yes, that type of thing. DI Foster wants to call a meeting to discuss the findings in thirty minutes or so. Get your thinking caps on, folks.”
The group’s excited murmurings followed Lorne back to her desk, where she punched London and witches into Google.
She located a recent case in 2010 of a fifteen-year-old boy who had been murdered by a family member because the family thought the child was possessed by the devil. The poor boy had arrived from France to stay with relatives. One day, he wet his pants, and the man he believed to be his uncle violently tortured him until he finally broke down and admitted he was a witch in the hope that the abuse would end. The boy was placed in freezing bathwater on Christmas Day and drowned. She wiped away the tears filling her eyes. How could anyone abuse a child like that and accuse them of being a witch? What did that say about the minds of the adults?
This particular case related to a family from the Congo, where such beliefs were rife and punishable without question. The pathologist’s report read like a gruesome scene from a horror novel. The boy had over one hundred wounds—deep cuts to his neck, head and face—and he was missing several teeth. The heart-breaking tale turned her stomach.
Katy
joined the group, and Lorne stood in front of the noticeboard with the latest crime noted on it. She added the word witchcraft.
“Have you managed to find out any relevance to it in the area?” Katy asked.
Lorne spoke as she jotted down possible links to the case. “I found a terrible story which happened back in 2010. A fifteen-year-old boy was violently abused and later killed for being a suspected witch, all because he wet his pants.”
“How terrible. Don’t tell me—this family don’t originate from the UK.”
“Nope, the Congo. I’m always concerned when people come to this country and bring their beliefs with them. So many of their beliefs are difficult for me to relate to, and it makes my job preventing things like that harder.” Lorne shuddered. “I dread to think how many of these crimes are disguised in some way by the perpetrators. I bet London, and the rest of the UK for that matter, has witchdoctors and the likes in several communities. Oh, don’t get me started…back to what we do know. Like I said, I don’t think the case we’re looking into can be regarded along these lines. Maybe the women who abducted the two men are just starting out.”
“As witches? You think these women have formed some kind of coven?” Katy folded her arms and perched her backside on one of the desks near the board.
“I don’t know. It’s all supposition at this point and all we have to go on. AJ, any further news on the vehicles?”
“No, I looked through every CCTV camera angle and still couldn’t find a plate number before the cars headed out into the country.”
Karen Titchard cleared her throat and raised a hand to speak. “Go on, Karen. Just shout it out.” Lorne smiled encouragingly at the young detective constable.
“I’ve been thinking about this at home. If we’ve got little to go on, we need to remember that these crimes were committed within striking distance of each other.”
“Yes, go on,” Katy prompted her.
Karen went to her computer screen, tapped the keyboard, and turned the screen to face the crowd. She circled an area on the map with her finger. “This area here. If the cars were seen heading out into the country, I think this is the only possible route they could have taken.”