by Susan Lewis
Going to tell T how I feel about him. I know he’ll say I’m too young, but I don’t see how age makes a difference. You can’t help your feelings. They don’t just switch on when you’re sixteen. I know he’s the right one for me. I can see us together. Estelle says she can see it too. She’s the best friend ever.
Dad only went looking for me tonight!!! Thank God I was at Estelle’s. He’d have gone totally ballistic if he’d found me at Gary’s, or in the back of T’s van. (So want to get into the back of T’s van right now. Where are you Tomasz? Wish you’d call me.)
The poor girl had completely lost her sense of self-worth and was desperately trying to find it in the attention of these men. Men who’d taken full advantage of her, if these entries were to be believed, and Andee was mindful of how inventive an adolescent girl’s mind could be.
Going back to the beginning of the month, she started again. Party tonight at one of the Red Zone caravans. Few local boys there, couple me and E really fancy. Loads of dope and PBC. Some of them wanted to go FBC and got dead rough when I said no. Really terrifying. Thought I was going to be raped. Feel like crying. Where was T when I needed him?
Looking at the picture of a younger Sophie on the whiteboard, the Sophie whose innocence and dreams shone like an aura around her, Andee felt the need to find her growing ever more urgently. The angry, confused mass of hormones this poor girl had become wasn’t really her; it was a reaction to feeling lost in a world without her mother, confused by the torn loyalties of her father. All she really wanted was to be loved, to feel safe and protected the way she had as a child, and it was all going horribly wrong.
It was almost too tragic to bear.
‘Sir,’ she said, going through to Gould, ‘there’s a diary you need to see. It’s still not putting Sikora together with Sophie after they left the Entertainment Centre that night, but there are strong suggestions that their relationship was inappropriate, if not sexual.’
Chapter Nine
THOUGH KASIA WAS in the kitchen she was nervously aware of the enormous black car with tinted windows parked outside her house. She didn’t actually know the man in the driver’s seat, but she’d seen him before, during a barbecue at the Poynters’ mansion up on the hill, and a few times at Blue Ocean Park. Tomasz called him the goryl – the gorilla. He drove Jackie Poynter wherever she went, which was why he was out there now, waiting for his boss to come out of the house so he could drive her to wherever she was going next.
It was debatable when that would be, since Jackie had spent the past ten minutes in the garden taking a call on her mobile and there was no sign of her ending it yet.
It was a relief to Kasia that the children were with Olenka for the rest of the day, and overnight while she worked. She wouldn’t have wanted them here in case they annoyed Mrs Poynter, who wasn’t known for her patience with young ones. Besides, keeping up a front for them was becoming more difficult by the day, especially when they were constantly asking when Tomasz was coming back. They had so much stored up ready to tell him and were so excited about it that they kept arguing over which story belonged to which teller. How it would make him laugh to see them.
‘Sorry,’ Jackie sighed as she stepped in through the door, ‘I didn’t think it would go on that long. And you were on your way out?’
‘To work,’ Kasia told her, ‘but if you would like some tea . . .’
Jackie waved it away. ‘I just wanted to make sure everything’s all right for you here,’ she smiled. ‘I’ve heard what they’re saying about Tomasz online. Of course we know it isn’t true.’
Kasia only looked at her. This woman unnerved her, no matter how friendly she was being.
‘Tomasz is a good provider,’ Jackie continued, looking around. ‘A good worker too. I can’t think where any of us would be without him.’ She sighed gently and took out a cigarette. ‘I expect you think that a lot.’
Kasia wished she had the courage to say she didn’t allow smoking in the house, but how could she when it was Jackie’s house?
‘Tell me,’ Jackie said chattily, ‘do you ever have any contact with your husband? Antoni, is that his name?’
Kasia’s mouth dried as she shook her head.
‘That’s good. A real dupek from what I hear. He used to beat you?’
Kasia nodded, and wondered why Jackie was bringing this up, how she even knew, because she was sure Tomasz wouldn’t have told her.
‘It’s good that he doesn’t know where you are,’ Jackie ran on. ‘The last thing you need is trouble knocking at the door.’ She blew out a stream of smoke and gave a laugh. ‘It’s the last thing any of us needs, isn’t that right?’
Kasia cleared her throat. ‘Tomasz keeps us safe,’ she said softly.
Jackie’s eyes were full of understanding. ‘Of course he does, but I want you to know that if you’re worried about anything, Kasia, if something happens to upset you or if the police start pressuring you in any way, I’m here for you, OK?’
Kasia nodded, in spite of not feeling at all comforted.
‘We can always get things sorted, but if you don’t call me, there won’t be anything I can do.’ She looked at her watch. ‘OK, it’s time I was going. I don’t want to make you late.’
After seeing her out Kasia stood in the hallway, pressing her fingers to the holy pendant at her throat as she listened to the unsteady beat of her heart. She was trying to work out what the purpose of Jackie’s visit had been, why it had left her feeling as though she’d just received some sort of warning.
‘I think,’ she whispered into the phone to Olenka as she hurried to catch the bus, ‘she doesn’t want me to speak to the police.’
‘Then don’t,’ Olenka advised. ‘You have nothing to tell them anyway, so you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.’
It was true, she didn’t know anything that would get anyone into trouble, but she desperately needed to get hold of Tomasz so he could explain to her what Mrs Poynter’s visit had really been about.
Andee was driving back to Blue Ocean Park when Luke rang. ‘Hey Mum,’ he said, not sounding his usual upbeat self. ‘Is it OK to talk?’
‘Sure. What’s up?’
‘I just wanted to let you know I’m staying over at Jake’s tonight. There’s a party going on and it probably won’t end till late.’
‘Well, at least you’re telling me,’ she retorted drily. The last time he’d stayed out all night he hadn’t even sent a text warning her he wouldn’t be back. In truth, she hadn’t actually realised he wasn’t home until he’d rung to ask if she could pick him up.
Did that make her a bad parent?
He was seventeen, it was time to loosen the reins. It wasn’t as though he couldn’t take care of himself.
Knowing it wouldn’t be quite so easy when it came time to allowing Alayna the same freedoms, she said, ‘You’re sounding a bit fed up.’
‘I’m OK. Have you arranged to see Dad yet?’
Wishing her heart wouldn’t contract at every mention of Martin, she said, ‘No, not yet, but I will.’
‘Mum, I’ve got to tell you, I think it’s totally crap of him letting his girlfriend . . .’
‘Luke, I know what you think, and I’m not arguing, but it won’t help anyone if you and Dad start falling out, least of all Grandma Carol.’
‘Yeah, and that’s why I’m not saying anything to him, but if I was you I’d totally blow him out about getting together. I mean why would you want to know about his bloody relationship? He’s way out of order even asking to see you. What’s it to you who he’s screwing? Why do we care what he does?’
Able to picture the angry set of his handsome face, she said, ‘I know you haven’t forgotten that he’s only just lost his father. That’s probably what he wants to talk about. Even so, if Brigitte is going to be a part of his life, she’ll be a part of yours too . . .’
‘No way! It’s so not going to happen. And hello, who else has lost their father? He’s not the only one.’
<
br /> ‘It’s not the same, Luke, and you know it.’
‘It is from where I’m standing.’
‘He loves you, and he’s always there for you. OK, I get that you’re angry, but honestly, now isn’t the time to start dealing with it.’
‘But if Alayna’s right and he wants to get back with you . . .’
‘He wouldn’t have allowed Brigitte to come if that were the case, so put it out of your mind. Now, I ought to go. Have a good party tonight, and don’t get too drunk.’
‘Like as if.’
‘Yeah, like as if. Love you.’
‘Same here,’ and the line went dead.
Moments later she was connecting to Martin. He was the only person she could discuss this with, or the only one who’d be able to make sure things didn’t get out of hand between him and his son.
‘Hi, it’s me,’ she said when he answered. ‘Unless something breaks on this case beforehand, I can probably meet you on Saturday.’
‘OK,’ he replied, drawing it out. ‘When on Saturday?’
She thought. ‘How about an early dinner at the White Hart on Moorstart Road?’
‘That’s fine. Shall I meet you there, or come and pick you up?’
Realising she couldn’t be sure where she’d be, she said, ‘Let’s meet there at six thirty. I’ll call if anything changes.’
‘OK.’
‘And Martin?’
‘Yes.’
‘I really don’t want to talk about your relationship with Brigitte.’
‘It wasn’t my plan.’
‘Good, because I think the relationship we really need to discuss is yours with Luke,’ and leaving him with that she rang off just as Gould came through on the Airwave.
‘They’ve got Perkins,’ he announced.
Hitting the brakes, she quickly swerved into a lay-by. ‘Is Sophie with him?’
‘No sign of her yet. Apparently he’s been holed up in a basement flat in the St Paul’s area of Bristol. The local police found him when they were raiding the place for the lowlife who lives there. So far he’s claiming not to know where she is.’
‘Is someone on their way to get him?’
‘They are. He should be back here by one, two at the latest. Where are you?’
‘On my way to start prepping the Monroes for the press conference, but I think we should delay until after we’ve interviewed Perkins.’
‘Absolutely. I’ve read the parts of the diary you highlighted, by the way. Andee, there’s nothing there to tie Sikora to her disappearance.’
‘I know that, but it’s establishing a relationship between them . . .’
‘Is it? I think you should read it again.’
‘She says at one point that she saw him that night . . .’
‘She could have been watching a show.’
‘And what about saying her dad would go ballistic if he found her in the back of Sikora’s van? That’s suggesting it’s something she does.’
‘Or would like to do. Listen, I’m not saying you’re wrong about this, but I think you’re in danger of overreacting . . .’
‘Sir, she’s a fourteen-year-old girl . . .’
‘Exactly . . .’
‘. . . who needs to be found.’
‘And chances are we’re a lot closer to it now we have Perkins.’
Having to accept that, she said, ‘I’ll call the Monroes, let them know what’s happening. There’s no point me going there now.’ She glanced at her mobile as it rang. ‘Actually, they’re calling me. I’d better take it,’ and disconnecting she clicked on to her mobile.
‘Ma’am, it’s Lauren,’ the FLO told her.
Wincing at the title she’d never encouraged, Andee said, ‘What’s up?’
‘Mr and Mrs Monroe have just been given an appointment for Archie with the community paediatrician, so they’re wondering if it would be all right to postpone the prep for the press conference.’
‘It would,’ Andee responded. ‘Are they still there?’
‘Mr Monroe is. Mrs Monroe’s already gone to the clinic.’
‘OK, put him on.’
A moment later Gavin’s voice came down the line. ‘I hope we’re not causing a problem. We’ve waited weeks for an appointment, and now this cancellation has come up . . .’
‘It’s fine,’ Andee assured him. ‘We’re having to delay things anyway. Gary Perkins has just been arrested.’
There was a beat of shocked silence before he said, ‘Is she with him?’
‘Apparently he’s claiming not to know where she is, but we’ll have a better idea of whether he’s telling the truth once we’ve interviewed him.’
‘When are you doing that?’
‘He should be back in Kesterly within the next couple of hours, so sometime this afternoon. I’ll call as soon as there’s some news.’
‘You’ve been to see Kasia?’
Jackie Poynter popped two Anadin and washed them down with a large glass of wine. ‘Yes, Tomasz,’ she confirmed, opening her menthol cigarettes, ‘I have been to see Kasia.’
‘Why?’
Not much liking his tone, she flicked a lighter and inhaled deeply. This search for Sophie Monroe was turning into a major headache, and she really wasn’t in much of a mood to deal with a disgruntled Tomasz Sikora right now either. ‘She didn’t tell you?’ she responded.
‘She said you talked about her husband.’
She took another drag. ‘Mm, I believe he came up.’
‘But why did you talk about him? You’ve frightened her. She doesn’t know anything . . .’
‘Then she has nothing to worry about. Is there another reason for this call, Tomasz, because I’m rather hoping there is.’
‘Yes. I’ve been contacted.’
At that her eyes widened. ‘Good. So everything’s going to plan?’
‘Yes.’
‘And you’ll be coming back with how many girls?’
‘None. The police are looking for me. I can’t bring anyone or anything with me. Aleksei is organising it.’
‘How do we know we can trust him?’
‘We don’t have much choice, unless we want to cancel the arrangement.’
Her expression turned sour. ‘OK. Do I need to know any more than that?’
‘It is only important for you to know that I must speak to the police when I return.’
She took a moment to consider that. ‘Can you handle it?’
‘I think so.’
‘Gary Perkins has just been arrested. Did you know?’
‘No, I didn’t.’
‘Jimmy’s arranged a lawyer for him. We can do the same for you.’
He didn’t answer.
‘Are you still there?’
‘Thank you,’ he said quietly.
‘You’re welcome, and please stop worrying about Kasia, she’ll be fine, everyone will, as long as you keep your head.’
It was late afternoon now, and to Andee’s frustration Perkins was still holed up in an interview room with one of the town’s most established lawyers. No duty solicitor for him, apparently.
‘Piers Ashdown,’ Leo murmured, as they helped themselves to coffees in the Stress & Mess. ‘Makes you wonder how that connection was made, doesn’t it?’
Trying not to check her watch again as they sat at the only clean table they could find, Andee sighed heavily. Though she was impatient to get on with this, she was trying to take her mind off the wait by wondering when, if, Graeme would be in touch. She hadn’t heard from him since the night she’d gone round there, and she was sure, when she left, that he’d said he would call. Of course, she could always call him, and maybe she would if he hadn’t been in touch by tomorrow. She sorely wished she could see him tonight, tomorrow night, any night, but at least he understood that for the moment her family commitments had to come first.
Realising Leo was talking about Sophie’s diary, she quickly refocused on what he was saying. ‘It’s like it’s been written by two different
people,’ he was commenting. ‘She’s changed a lot between the time she started it and now. If you ask me, it’s like she’s trying to grow up too fast. There again, show me a kid of that age who isn’t.’
‘What about her relationship with Sikora?’ Andee asked. ‘Do you think it’s real, or just a dream?’ Though the diary had gone off for analysis now, they wouldn’t have the results for at least another week and she couldn’t stop wondering about it.
Leo was shaking his head as he thought. ‘It’s hard to tell. She obviously wants one, but whether or not he took advantage . . . He might have, but there again . . . I was thinking about the local boys she mentioned, back at the beginning of the summer. Her best mate must know who they are.’
‘If she does, she isn’t telling because Jemma’s already asked. All she’ll admit to is being at the party and things getting a bit out of hand.’
‘Was there an assault?’
‘Estelle says no.’
‘She’s got to know these boys’ names.’
‘They’re already in the case notes. One was called Jason, or Justin, another was Carl, and she’s sure there was someone called Rob or Robin. That’s all she can remember, she claims. She’s got no idea which school they go to, or where any of them live. They met them on the beach and got chatting, like kids do, and when it came out they were all from Kesterly Sophie invited them to a party that night. Are you thinking it has some sort of significance?’
He shrugged. ‘They’re the only locals around her own age she’s mentioned,’ he replied. ‘Maybe she made a connection with one of them that Estelle knew nothing about.’
Feeling doubtful, Andee looked at her mobile as it rang. At last Jack Trevors, the custody sergeant.
‘Apparently Mr Perkins’s lawyer has a pressing engagement this evening,’ Trevors told her, ‘so he’s keen to get started.’
‘Don’t you just love lawyers,’ Andee muttered, as she and Leo made for the lift.
On reaching the custody suite they found Piers Ashdown, a portly, pompous man, talking into his mobile. However, he had the grace to end the call as soon as he saw them.