Prima Facie

by Netta Newbound

  “I’d love that. Are you sure she won’t mind?” I finish my coffee and hand her the cup.

  “I’m positive she’ll love it. Tell her I’ll pop in after school, will you?” Sandra jots Amanda’s ward number on a pad.

  “Of course, I will. And thanks, Sandra, Amanda’s a very lucky girl.”

  I walk to my car with a spring in my step.

  Chapter 50

  “Where the hell is she?” Adam said, pacing up and down the front office.

  “She left her apartment at a quarter to one.” Cal glanced at the wall-clock. “They thought she headed this way.”

  “That was almost an hour ago.”

  “Yes, and the search teams are getting tetchy. What can I tell them?”

  “Tell them to go for it. What choice do we have?”

  “Okay, boss.” Cal walked around his desk.

  Frances came back from the toilet. “Heard anything?”

  “Not a peep. I might give her a call.” He pulled his phone out as it rang. Home flashed on the display.

  At first he considered ignoring the call, but then he remembered there shouldn’t be anybody at his house. “Hello?”

  “Hi, love. It’s me,” Sandra said. “I’m sorry to disturb you at work, but I’m at your house and a friend of Amanda’s just called around.”

  “That’s nice.” He rolled his eyebrows at Frances and mouthed Sandra.

  “She left a few minutes ago. I think she plans to visit Amanda in hospital. But the thing is, she said something that worried me.”

  “What’s that then, Sandra?” He scratched his head, agitated.

  “She said Amanda told her all about Michael on Facebook.”

  Suddenly on full alert, he turned to face Frances. “Amanda doesn’t have a Facebook account.”

  “That’s what I thought, love. But you know what I’m like with those things. I thought I must have been mistaken. Anyway once she left, I checked Amanda’s address book and she doesn’t even know anybody called Sally.”

  Adam couldn’t breathe. Frances appeared in front of him, her mouth opening and closing, but he couldn’t hear a word.

  Then Cal grabbed him by the shoulders and began shaking him. He dropped the phone and he vaguely remembered Frances picking it up and talking into it.

  When time caught up, the sound came back to Adam in a whoosh.

  Frances said, “Oh, my God. Sally’s gone to the hospital.”

  “Get a squad team to the hospital, Cal.” Adam sped from the room. “And call hospital security immediately!”

  He sensed Frances behind him on the stairs.

  “If she’s done anything to them, I’ll kill her with my bare hands,” he roared, as they dashed across the car park to his Mondeo.

  Frances tried to call Amanda’s phone but it went to voicemail.

  “She’s having a sleep.” Adam slammed his hands on the wheel. He drove to the hospital like a raving lunatic. Several people honked their horns and made rude hand gestures, but he didn’t care, his only thought was for the safety of Amanda and their new baby.

  He parked across the entrance of the hospital and he could hear several sirens approaching.

  “You take the stairs, Frances.” He bashed the lift button several times. “Amanda’s on the fourth floor. Room three.”

  She nodded and disappeared through the door.

  Four uniformed constables ran into the foyer.

  Adam turned to them and quickly flashed his ID. “We’re looking for Sally Kemp, an attractive redhead in her late twenties, early thirties. She’s wanted for a number of homicides. I’ve got reason to believe she’s here. My wife and newborn son are her targets.”

  The lift door opened and he left the officer in charge barking orders to the others.

  The maternity annex was deathly quiet. The swing doors stood wide open and the main desk eerily vacant, but as he approached he noticed three nurses gossiping in the back room. He rapped the palm of his hand on the desk and continued towards Amanda’s room.

  He tried to calm his breathing, fearing Sally would hear him coming a mile off.

  Taking wide strides, he made it to Amanda’s door horrified to find the curtains closed and the room in darkness. He paused, mentally preparing himself for anything and trying to call on his training to stay in control. He slammed the door open and barged in.

  Amanda squealed and jumped up in bed, disorientated. “Adam! What the hell?”

  He ran to the window almost tearing the curtains down in his haste to get some light into the room.

  Amanda noticed the empty crib at the same time he did and began screaming hysterically.

  He had no time to waste.

  A hefty nurse appeared in the doorway, alerted by Amanda’s screams.

  “Someone’s taken the baby,” he barked. “Stay with her.”

  One of the officers came out of the lift as Adam ran from the annex.

  “She’s taken the baby.”

  The officer got on his radio, informing the others.

  An alarm sounded from the stairs.

  Adam ran to the stairwell and paused, working out that the wailing alarm came from above. He launched himself up three steps at a time.

  “Frances?” he yelled.

  “Up here, Adam. She’s got the baby.”

  He thought his head might explode. But he knew the importance of staying in control. He reached the eighth floor, the voices were coming from higher still. From the roof.

  He cleared the final steps and burst through the doors at the top.

  He quickly assessed the situation. The large, open rooftop had a helipad at the far edge, with a bright yellow air ambulance parked in the centre of it.

  He saw Sally beyond the helicopter. The wind whipped her long red hair ferociously. She clutched the baby in her arms.

  Frances was also on the pad, slowly approaching Sally, her arms held out, clearly trying to calm the woman down.

  A hospital security guard on the ground in front of him approached the helipad with caution.

  Adam had seen this scenario played out hundreds of times on the TV. Every time he’d scream at the screen how far-fetched it was. Yet here they were—a mad woman holding his newborn son close to the edge of a hospital roof.

  His shoes felt filled with lead. It took all his effort to move forward an inch.

  Instead of climbing the steps, the security guard moved off to the side.

  Adam didn’t pay him much attention. He was too focused on Frances and Sally who were moving out of his vision on the other side of the helicopter.

  He climbed the steps and approached, little by little.

  Their voices carried on the wind. “I gave him everything,” Sally shouted. “And he left me for that bitch.”

  Adam reached the helicopter and still couldn’t hear Frances’ response, but could make out her calming tones and body language.

  As though out of nowhere, Ginger Dave sprinted past Adam, yelling, “I’m sorry, boss. This is all my fault.”

  “Dave! Stop!”

  Hearing this, Frances turned to see what the commotion was behind her. She held her arms out, trying to slow Dave down. He dodged past her.

  “Don’t come any closer, Dave.” Sally said. She spoke calmly.

  He stopped running, but continued walking forward at a fast pace. “I trusted you. Put my job on the line for you. Why would you do this, Sally?”

  “Dave! Stop! She’s got the baby,” Frances yelled.

  He slowed down as though he’d only just spotted the baby.

  Sally, still backing up, was about two feet from the roof edge.

  Adam reached Frances, and together they approached, slowly. Out of the corner of his eye, Adam noticed the top of the security guard’s head as he crawled around the lip of the helipad, behind Sally.

  Adam held his breath.

  “Why would you want to hurt your dad? He loved you so much,” Dave continued.

  Sally’s lip curled. “If only you kn
ew how much, Dave. After Mum died, he wanted special cuddles—you know what I mean?”

  “Liar! Your father was an honourable man. I won’t have you sullying his good name with your despicable lies.”

  The security guard was only an arm’s reach away from Sally, and she still hadn’t noticed him.

  “He was no better than the disgusting letches he locked up,” she spat.

  As though in slow motion, everything happened at once.

  Sally turned and noticed the guard.

  Dave roared and shot forward.

  The guard reached for the baby.

  Adam ran towards them in sheer panic.

  He reached them as the mass of bodies toppled off the edge of the building.

  Chapter 51

  Frozen to the spot, Adam couldn’t believe his eyes. A scream from the street below confirmed what he imagined had just happened. But he couldn’t look. He couldn’t do anything.

  He stared, mouth agape, as Frances peering over the edge.

  Her hand pressed firmly to her mouth stifling her cry. Suddenly she dropped to her knees. “Adam! Come quick.”

  He moved to her side on automatic pilot. Hearing a strange squeaking to the side of him, he turned to see the security guard crouching on the lower ledge holding the baby.

  Adam almost collapsed on the spot. He didn’t realise, he wasn’t breathing—positive the baby and the guard had gone over the side with Sally and Dave.

  He grabbed the bundle and slid to the floor, unable to control his emotions one second longer. Hot salty tears ran down his cheeks and dripped off his chin onto the sleeping face of his beautiful little boy.

  Within moments, the roof was crawling with uniformed men.

  Frances helped him to his feet. They walked down to the eighth floor in silence, both horrified by what they’d just witnessed. They got the lift down to the fourth floor. Frances hung back, indicating she had a call to make.

  A female officer barred the doorway of Amanda’s room, but she stepped aside with a smile as he approached.

  Amanda cried and ran to him, snatching her baby from his arms. “Oh-my-God! Oh-my-God!” she squealed repeatedly. Then, finally satisfied her baby seemed oblivious to his ordeal, she turned back to Adam. “Are you alright? You look terrible. Come and sit down.”

  Hearing his mummy’s voice, baby Andrew began squeaking and snuffling at his tiny fist.

  Stunned, Adam sat beside her on the bed while she prepared to feed the hungry baby.

  “What the fuck just happened? Who took him and why?”

  He couldn’t seem to string a sentence together and was relieved when Frances appeared and explained everything.

  Horrified, Amanda held the baby tight to her breast. “And Ginger Dave? Is he...?”

  “He’s dead. They both are.” Frances looked at Adam as she spoke.

  Adam nodded. Considering the height from which they’d fallen, he hadn’t expected any other outcome.

  “Thank the Lord that security guard acted on his instincts the way he did. I’ve no doubt things would have been much different if he hadn’t,” Frances said.

  “Where is he?” Amanda sobbed. “I need to thank him from the bottom of my heart.”

  Frances placed her hand on Amanda’s. “I imagine he’s quite busy right now, but I’ll ask him to check in on you later.”

  Adam got to his feet and bent to kiss Amanda’s forehead. “Try to rest? I’ll come back as soon as I can.”

  “I’ll never sleep again. I only wanted a nap inbetween feeds, and that crazy bitch sneaks in and takes my baby. I didn’t hear a thing.”

  He shook his head. “She’s not coming back, Mand. I promise you’ll be fine now.”

  “Why don’t you stay?” Frances placed a hand on his shoulder. “I’ll do what I can until you’re feeling up to it.”

  “I need to deal with this mess now. I’m okay.”

  Adam and Frances travelled to the station in silence, both absorbed with their own thoughts. Cal jumped up when they entered, clearly distraught by the news.

  Adam nodded at him, trying desperately to swallow the lump that had returned to his throat. “Where’s Les and Julie?”

  “They’ve gone to Charlie Kemp’s house. Ginger Dave called here after he and the search team found an old music room in the basement. He realised you were right.”

  “Did you tell him Sally was at the hospital?”

  “I did. I’m so sorry.” Cal plonked down on his chair.

  Adam sighed. “Hey, it’s not your fault. You didn’t know what he’d do.”

  “Yeah, but...”

  “Sally’s the only person to blame in all this.” Frances walked around Cal’s desk and gave him a hug.

  “Has anybody called the DCI?” Adam still felt in shock.

  “He’s on his way in to inform Dave’s wife with you.”

  Adam’s stomach dropped. He’d not even thought about that. Ginger Dave and Pixie had been married for over thirty years.

  “What happened? Why did Sally go to the hospital?” Cal asked.

  Adam shrugged. “I’m not sure of that myself, Cal.”

  “Ginger Dave told her of our plan,” Frances said. “She knew we’d find the room in the cellar once her dad’s house was searched, and so she figured she had nothing to lose.”

  “Dave informed her? Did she tell you all this while you were up on the helipad?” Adam spun around to look at Frances.

  “Yes. She went to your house for Amanda and found Sandra instead. She considered doing away with Sandra but thought the baby would make the biggest impact.”

  “Fucking crazy bitch,” Cal said, shaking his head. “Are Amanda and the baby okay?”

  Adam nodded. “They’re fine, thanks, Cal.”

  The door swished open, and DCI Williamson walked in dressed to the nines. “Stanley. I don’t know why I ever doubt that instinct of yours. It hasn’t let you down yet.”

  “Hi, sir. It didn’t turn out to be the clean cut arrest I’d imagined,” he said, flatly.

  “Shall we go into your office? You can bring me up to speed.”

  Adam raised his eyebrows at Frances and Cal, and followed the DCI into his office.

  *

  Once Adam filled the DCI in on the day’s events, they paid a visit to Ginger Dave’s widow.

  Pixie, named because of her petite stature and elfin face, had already guessed why they were there by the time she opened the door. Just having the DCI in attendance spoke volumes. She gripped the silver Saint Christopher that hung around her neck and staggered backwards, shaking her head.

  Thankfully, the DCI took the lead. Adam was too shell-shocked to cope with much more that day.

  Afterwards, back at the station, he completed the relevant paperwork, and it was close on 8.00pm before he was able to leave for home.

  He collected the paper package that Frances had left for him on her desk, and dialled Sandra’s number as he headed to the car.

  “Sandra, it’s me. Is Mary with you?”

  “Yes. Why, is something wrong?”

  “No. But we need to have an important chat with her. Can you tell her I’m on my way? I’m taking her to the hospital.”

  “We’ve just got back from there. Are you sure Amanda’s up to this? She looked totally washed out when we left.”

  “We’ve left it too long as it is. Best we do this now.”

  “Well, if you’re sure. I’ll go and tell her to get ready.”

  He pulled up outside his mother-in-law’s house. Mary appeared at the window.

  He waved and she closed the curtain and ran out the door a few seconds later.

  She opened the car door and an icy blast preceded her.

  “Hurry up, get in. It’s bloody freezing out there.”

  “Am I in trouble?” Mary asked, wide-eyed.

  “No! Of course you’re not. We just want to have a word with you without the others making a racket.”

  “What about?”

  “All will
be revealed, young lady.”

  “Did you know a lady tried to kidnap our baby today?”

  “I did. Who told you?”

  “I heard Amanda telling Nana.”

  Adam laughed. “Not much gets by you, does it, Miss Mary?”

  Mary seemed pleased with herself. “I’m not a baby anymore. I can work things out for myself.”

  “I don’t doubt that for a minute. Now, fasten your coat up. We’re here.”

  They got out of the car and ran hand in hand to the main doors. “Woo! I think it might even snow!” he said as they waited for the lift.

  He regretted not calling ahead and telling Amanda he planned to bring Mary, but he figured she’d only stress if he warned her.

  Visiting time was over and they had to be buzzed in by the nurse. “We’re only planning to be here for a short while,” he said, when she scowled at them.

  Amanda was sitting up in bed watching the TV. “Oh, I thought you weren’t going to make it.” Her smile faltered as she noticed Mary behind him.

  “I told you I’d be back. I brought Mary so we can have that little chat.”

  Chapter 52

  Amanda’s heart thundered in her chest. She was confused that Adam would arrange to speak to Mary like this without even warning her. She braced herself.

  Adam took her hand and began to stroke her fingers. Looking into her eyes, he gave her a reassuring nod. “It’s better this way.”

  Noticing Mary’s worried expression, Amanda took a deep breath, smiled, and held her hand out. “Come here and sit with me, sweetheart.”

  Mary climbed up on the bed beside Amanda. Her huge blue eyes appeared too big for her face as she looked at them both expectantly.

  Adam cleared his throat. “Mary, you remember the other day when you found Amanda’s box of memories?”

  She nodded, gulping on nothing, and she gripped Amanda’s hand tight.

  “Well, you asked if you were the baby she gave up for adoption all those years ago.”

  She nodded again.

  Amanda rubbed the girl’s arm as she began to tremble.

  “This scenario hadn’t occurred to us at the time, but your question made us wonder. Didn’t it, Mand?”