Calculated Justice

by M A Comley

  Lorne and Katy rose from their chairs, and Lorne handed him a business card. “Give me a call, day or night. I will urge you to make your decision promptly, though, Mr. Hardy. There’s no telling how long we have before the person contacts you.”

  “I understand. I need to ring a few relatives, get their advice first.”

  “You do that. One last question, when did your family go missing?”

  “Sometime yesterday, although I have no idea of the time.”

  “And they definitely went missing from your home? Is that correct?”

  He shrugged and stood up. “As far as I know. I have nothing to corroborate my assumption.”

  “Okay. Thank you for your time. When we get back to the office, we’ll have a scout around for any incidents that have been reported in the vicinity of your home.”

  “Thank you.”

  When she shook his hand, Lorne noted it felt clammy.

  Back in the car, Katy asked, “What do you think?” Her hand moved gently over the slight bulge in her tummy.

  “I’m inclined to believe him. I intentionally hit him hard to begin with just to see his reaction. We get so many cases where the husbands bump off the wife. I needed to be sure that wasn’t what we’re dealing with here.”

  “I’m not so sure. If he had nothing to do with their disappearance, why wouldn’t he jump at the chance for us to get involved?”

  “Like he said, it’s not as clear cut as that, Katy. Are you all right?”

  “No. I’m feeling nauseous again. I think I’ll give lunch a miss, if that’s all right.”

  “It’s not. You have to eat. If you bring it up afterwards, fine. At least the little one will be getting some sustenance to help him or her grow. Think of the baby, eh?”

  Katy exhaled noisily. “I do, constantly. It’s bloody hard not to. All right, maybe a light salad or something along those lines.”

  “Great idea. Let’s stop off at the pub, and I’ll have a word, see what they can rustle up for you that won’t make you want to reintroduce it to the world ten minutes later.”

  Katy grinned. “Going back to Hardy—you never asked if he had any enemies.”

  “I will. It’s not our case yet. I didn’t want to waste time asking if he wasn’t going to accept my offer. Does that make sense?”

  “Yep, perfect sense to me.” Katy wound down the window and sucked in a mouthful of fresh air.

  If only people understood the trauma the body goes through during pregnancy, I think more people would reject the idea of becoming pregnant altogether. Poor Katy!

  CHAPTER TWO

  Lorne was even more concerned about Katy after seeing the way she nibbled and messed around with her salad. She made a mental note to have a word with AJ once they got back to the station.

  Katy gingerly climbed the stairs behind Lorne and turned right to go to the ladies’ loo, while Lorne continued into the incident room. She rushed up to AJ’s desk and spoke in a hushed voice, “Has Katy visited the doctor lately? I’m worried she’s not consuming enough calories.”

  “Not for a couple of weeks.” He raised his hands and sat back in his chair. “If I mention anything about food, she gives me a death stare—that is, if she’s not snapping my head off. I’m at a loss as to what to say or what to do for the best.”

  “Well, her first priority should be the baby.”

  Katy entered the room and glanced at them through narrowed eyes. “Telling tales on me, Sergeant?”

  “Was I?” she asked AJ, winking at him.

  “Nope. You look pale. Have you been sick again?” AJ asked with a concerned smile.

  Katy glared at her fella. “Don’t start. Anything of note happen while we’ve been out?”

  “Actually, Karen had a call of interest. She can give you the details.”

  Lorne and Katy moved around the room to see Karen, who was awaiting their arrival with her notepad in hand. “I finished the files I was working on, and took the liberty of searching the recent calls that have been logged, to see if anything cropped up around the area of the Hardys’ home. I figured that would be your next stop once you’d visited Mr. Hardy. I hope I did the right thing?”

  Lorne nodded. Karen had exceptional instincts and superb organisational skills, which often proved invaluable. “It depends if you found anything of interest.”

  “I did. Mr. Hardy probably told you that his wife’s vehicle has already been found.”

  Lorne glanced at Katy and frowned. “No, he didn’t. Where?”

  “How strange,” Karen replied then continued, “In Castlebury Road, a few feet away from their home.”

  “Is this some kind of joke? Why in God’s name wouldn’t he divulge that?” Katy asked, her bemusement matching Lorne’s.

  “The plot thickens. What else can you tell us, Karen?” Lorne asked.

  “Well, the reason this came to light was because one of the Hardys’ neighbours was attacked by a man who went on to steal her car.”

  “So, she reported the incident, I take it. Did she mention if Mrs. Hardy was with the man or not?”

  “I don’t know, boss. Do you want me to give the woman a call?”

  Lorne shook her head. “No. I think we should pay her a visit in person. Anything else?”

  “No. I haven’t had a chance to run the licence number yet, to see if any other incidents have occurred with the stolen vehicle since.”

  “Okay, do that and give me a ring on my mobile if you find anything.” Lorne turned to Katy. “Are you up for another trip out?”

  Katy nodded. “Even if I wasn’t, you couldn’t stop me from coming with you.”

  After thirty minutes of battling heavy traffic, they pulled up outside the victim’s house.

  “Let’s hope she’s in,” Katy said.

  “After we’ve had a word with the woman, I think we should take a look around the Hardys’ home.”

  “What? Inside?” Katy looked stunned.

  “No. Outside. I have a feeling Mr. Hardy will call back later and give us the go-ahead to investigate. Having a quick shufty around the property now will save us time, agreed?”

  Katy hitched her right shoulder. “You’re going to do it anyway, even if I try and tell you not to.”

  Lorne sniggered. “That I am. Let’s go.”

  A woman sporting a painful-looking swollen split lip answered the door, opening it only a few inches.

  Lorne thrust her warrant card through the crack. “Hello, Mrs. Jenkins. I’m DS Lorne Warner, and this is my partner, DI Katy Foster. I hope it’s convenient for us to have a chat about the incident you reported the other day.”

  She hesitated then finally allowed them to enter her home. Lorne and Katy walked through the hallway into the huge kitchen-cum-sunroom at the rear of the property.

  “I was just about to have a coffee. Would you like one?”

  Lorne nodded. “That would be lovely. Thank you.”

  “Sorry, can I have a cup of tea instead?” Katy asked.

  While the woman made the drinks, Lorne asked, “How have you coped since the incident?”

  “To be honest, my nerves are shattered. That’s the first time I’ve opened the front door to anyone. If you had been men, I don’t think I would have bothered.”

  “Sorry to hear that. It must have been a shock for you. Do you feel up to telling us about it?”

  Mrs. Jenkins put the china mugs on a tray and led Lorne and Katy across the room to the table, situated in front of wooden French doors that overlooked the beautifully tended back garden. She pulled in a large breath and stared at her hands, clasping her mug. “All I did was nip out to the shops to pick up a few bits and pieces—and bam... the man walked up to me and hit me.”

  “No conversation at all?”

  “Nothing. Had he asked for my keys, I would have handed them over... I think, rather than end up with a thick lip and a couple of wobbly teeth. There’s too much bloody violence in this world.”

  “I agree; there is. Di
d you see anyone with him? What direction he came from perhaps?”

  “No. I unloaded my car, locked it, turned round, and before I could ask what he wanted, he thumped me. I was knocked unconscious, according to Marj, the woman who came to my rescue.”

  “Did Marj see the incident for herself?” Lorne asked.

  “No. She found me lying on the pavement. I don’t think I was out for long before she came along.”

  “Was anything taken at the time, such as your handbag?”

  “No. Just my car. Have there been other crimes similar to this reported in this area? Is that why you’re here?”

  “Not exactly. We do think the incident is linked to another crime that was committed at the same time. Unfortunately, we can’t really go into detail on that.”

  “Really? In the same road? How odd. I haven’t heard anything about that.”

  “It’s not common knowledge at the moment. A very sensitive case, shall we say.”

  “I see, I think.”

  “I know it’s probably a long shot, but do you think you would be able to identify the man if you saw him again?”

  “In a line-up? That kind of thing?” Mrs. Jenkins asked.

  “Either that—of course we’d have to catch the man first—or would you be willing to give a description to an artist?”

  The woman closed her eyes for a second. “It all happened so fast. I’m just trying to see if I can conjure up enough details for you. To be honest, I’m not sure I can supply you with much.”

  “A rough sketch is sometimes all we need. Most people, once they get started, end up remembering far more than they ever imagined they could.”

  “Okay, I’m willing to at least try. I’d like nothing better than to see him put away. Is there any news on my car yet?”

  “No. We’ve put out an alert on the vehicle. Once you’ve worked with the sketch artist, I can call a press conference, get all the media involved. We’ll mention your car during that in the hope that someone recognises it.”

  “Thank you. It might not have been much, but I’m lost without the car. It’s my lifeline to the outside world since my husband passed away.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that, Mrs. Jenkins. Hasn’t the insurance company supplied you with a replacement car?”

  “To be honest, I haven’t even contacted them.” She held her trembling hand out in front of her. “I’m still so shaken up by the assault that I’m having trouble thinking straight at present. I’ll get on to them this afternoon.”

  “I’m not sure they’ll be much help, but you have the crime number. Give them that and let them sort out the details for you. So, when shall we organise the artist to come and see you?”

  “Any time. You need the information promptly, don’t you?” She took a sip of her drink.

  “We do. I can arrange for someone to bring the artist to you this afternoon, rather than you dragging down the station, if that’s okay with you?”

  “That would be wonderful. Not sure I’m up to venturing out just yet.”

  “Is there anything else you can tell us? Have you noticed anyone in the road acting suspiciously lately?”

  The woman remained silent then clicked her fingers and pointed at her. “There was a man. Last week. I had to take the cat to the vet’s and noticed a man outside the Hardys’ home.”

  Lorne raised an eyebrow. “What day? Can you remember?”

  “On Monday of last week...” She paused, closed her eyes for a second, then gasped. “Do you know what? If my memory isn’t playing tricks on me, I would swear it was the same man who hit me and stole my car.”

  “Are you sure about that?”

  Her eyes flickered shut again. Moments later, they flew open. “Yes, I’m almost certain it’s the same person.” She gasped a second time. “Has something untoward occurred at the Hardys’ home? Is that the incident you were referring to before?”

  “Possibly. We really can’t go into detail yet mainly because we don’t know a great deal about it. Well, the sooner we get the artist to you, the quicker we can organise the media’s input. Can you call the station, Katy?”

  Katy nodded and left the table to make the call from the hallway. She returned within minutes. “The artist can be here at three this afternoon, if that’s okay?”

  Mrs. Jenkins nodded. “That suits me fine, dear.”

  “Well, thanks for the drink, Mrs. Jenkins. Please, try not to worry. I know it’s difficult under the circumstances, but I think this incident was a one-off and you just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. I’d hate to think of you walking around in constant fear because of this,” Lorne said.

  “I’m sure I will be fine once I hear you have caught the man responsible, Sergeant. Please, do your best.”

  “You have my word on that. Don’t forget to ring the insurance company after we leave.”

  “I won’t. Thank you. Good luck with your mission, ladies.”

  Lorne and Katy bade the woman farewell, jumped in the car, and drove the short distance to the Hardys’ home. Getting out of the car, Lorne looked around then led Katy up the driveway to the mansion. “I think we should go around the back. Can you see any form of surveillance?”

  “Nope. How ridiculous is that? And furthermore, why isn’t there a bloody gate on the property? Surely someone in his position would be more up on personal security,” Katy said.

  “Maybe that’s what his problem is—he feels guilty about not protecting his family more.”

  “You could be right. Can I ask what you’re hoping to find, Lorne?”

  “I have no idea. I really just wanted to try and figure out how the abductor gained access to the property. It’s pretty obvious now that we’re here. Let’s see what we can find around the back of the house.”

  Lorne followed the concrete path to the side of the property. “This is too easy. What is wrong with these people?”

  “It does seem odd. Perhaps they’ve only just moved in.”

  Reaching the back garden, Lorne waited for Katy to catch up with her. “I never thought of that. Remind me to put that to him later. Looking around, there’s no real sign that this is a young person’s garden. No swings or the obligatory trampoline. The patio is kind of small, too small for entertaining corporate people anyway. You could be on the money with your assumption, partner.”

  Katy nodded. Lorne ventured farther into the garden and peered through the large patio doors into the pristine black-and-white gloss kitchen. “That’s strange.”

  “What is?” Katy asked, joining her.

  “Not a plate or cup out of place, as if it hasn’t been used.”

  “Well, Hardy did say that he spends a lot of time at the office. If his family isn’t here, why would he want to come home?”

  “Good point. On the other hand, wouldn’t you want to be at home in case the kidnapper tried to make contact? What are we missing here?”

  “Without him confiding in us, Lorne, I’m not sure we’re ever going to find out.”

  “Let’s get back to the station. I want to do a thorough check on our Mr. Hardy.”

  “I’d do the same if I was still in charge,” Katy mumbled, referring to the imminent change in their relationship, as they wound their way back up the path to the front of the house, towards the car.

  CHAPTER THREE

  The man, who went by the nickname of Warrior, watched the woman breast-feeding her child, neglecting to give her the privacy she was obviously longing for. Her face flushed violently, making him chortle now and again. The sound of his mobile ringing tore him out of his fixated state.

  “Yep,” he answered.

  “Where’s the woman?” the caller demanded abruptly.

  “Feeding the kid. Nice pair of tits she’s got, by the way.”

  “Keep your hands off her. That’s not part of the deal. You hear me?”

  “I hear ya. I ain’t touched her. Like I said, she’s feeding the kid, as in breast-feeding it.”

  The cal
ler tutted his annoyance. “I’m about to put the next part of the plan in place. Are you all set at your end?”

  “Yep, I’ll make the calls as instructed. First to him and then to the bitch herself. I’m going to enjoy making that second call. She won’t know what’s hit her.”

  “Go softly, softly at first, like I suggested. We want her to feel confused and out of her depth to begin with, before we up the game and see her really spin out of control. I’m going to enjoy seeing her being out of her depth—the bitch deserves all we’ve got lined up for her and more.”

  “I’ll ring you when I’ve been in touch with both parties.” Warrior pushed the End Call button. He went back to ogling the woman, his mind running through what lay ahead of him and his crew. “What are you looking at?” he snarled.

  “Nothing. Please, whatever you’re planning, my husband has the money to pay you off. Please, I’m begging you not to hurt me or my child.”

  “Yeah, yeah, beg all you like, love. I’ll do what’s necessary in order for us to achieve our goal.”

  “Which is what?” she asked.

  He tapped the side of his nose. “That would be for me to know, lady, and you to find out, eventually. And I assure you, you will find out soon enough. Are you nearly done there? ’Cause I’ve got important work to do, and you need to go back in your ‘little den.’” He laughed as her face froze in fear.

  “Please, I’ll behave. You don’t have to put me in there again. I promise I won’t try anything again.”

  “Too bloody right you won’t. That’ll teach you not to treat all men as idiots. Now finish up quickly. He’s munched long enough on your tits as it is. I’ve got more important things to do, lady.”

  The woman glared at him. She stroked the child’s head comfortingly and removed her breast from his mouth. After rearranging her blouse, she placed the child in the makeshift cot she had constructed out of the overnight bag she’d packed with the child’s clothes. He’d admired her ingenuity for a split second when she’d thought up the idea to care for her child’s needs. That was before he’d forced her into her hidey-hole for the first time. Reluctantly she stood and walked towards the back door of the old farmhouse. “I’m ready.”