Avaline Saddlebags

by Netta Newbound

  “I’ll call her after work and see if she needs anything,” Joanna said.

  “You do that. I’ll be speaking to her myself later. Now, if there’s nothing else, I need to get on with my job.”

  Twenty-Eight

  “Penny for them,” Steve said the next morning as he handed me a steaming mug of coffee.

  I shuffled up in the bed to a sitting position. “Oh, thanks. I could get used to this.” I grinned.

  “So, what’s wrong? You were miles away then.”

  I exhaled with a controlled blow. “It’s just this case I’m working on. We think we know who the killer is, but can’t catch a break at all. We’re gonna have to let the scumbag go today, by the looks of things.”

  “Do you tail your suspects these days?”

  “We didn’t just step out of an episode of The Bill, you know?” I laughed.

  “Shut up. I know that. But sometimes going back to basics is the best way. I could come along with you to the stake-out. Bring my flask of tea and egg mayo butties.”

  I gagged. “You’d stink like you’ve shit yourself in the confines of the car—no thanks.”

  “Charming. That’s all the thanks I get for putting my life on the line in the name of love.”

  I knew he was joking, but his use of the ‘L’ word made my stomach flip. “Well, maybe we could make a deal—lose the fart sandwiches and we can re-negotiate.”

  “Too late. I revoke my offer.”

  “That was quick!” I chuckled, taking a sip of the coffee. “When did you have a shower anyway?” I said, noticing his wet hair.

  “While the coffee was brewing and you were snoring.”

  “I don’t snore!”

  “Really? How do you know you don’t?”

  “I just know.”

  “You do this real cute snorty thing, like a little pig.”

  “Fuck off! No I don’t.”

  He nodded, annoyingly. “Yeah, you do.”

  He got up off the bed and let the towel drop to the carpet, displaying his toned body.

  Taking one final sip of coffee, I jumped out of bed and ran for the bathroom—distractions were definitely not allowed until I had solved this case.

  Freshly showered and wrapped from the waist down in a towel, I returned to the bedroom.

  Steve, now dressed, stood in front of the full-length mirror fiddling with his tie. He was every inch the typical accountant.

  “You came prepared.” I nodded at his overnight bag.

  “Is that a problem?” He eyed my reflection.

  “Not at all. In fact you could always leave a few bits here. The spare bedroom has an empty wardrobe and chest of drawers if you wanted to make use of them.”

  “Really? You don’t mind?”

  “I wouldn’t have offered if I did.”

  “It would make life a little easier if I didn’t have to lug a bag with me every day.”

  Things did seem to be moving pretty fast since we’d decided to turn the relationship up a notch, but it felt like a natural progression—we’d been seeing each other casually for a few months already.

  I dressed in grey slacks and a light blue shirt—my usual work attire—then kissed the tip of his nose before darting from the room. “Will I see you tonight?” I called over my shoulder.

  “Can do. Shall I bring dinner?”

  “Sounds good. Take the spare key from the drawer beside the kitchen door in case you get here before I do.” There, I’d done it. Giving him a key was definitely taking things to the next level. I’d never let anyone have a key to my place before, and yet I’d done it so easily with him. This was the way things were meant to be—effortless—cruisy.

  I found a muesli bar in the kitchen cupboard, slipped my shoes on, and grabbed my jacket off the hook before heading out the door.

  In the car, I called Will. “We’re going to have to let Wilkes go, unless there’s anything else we can use to keep hold of him?”

  “No, boss. Nothing. And his brief is shit hot and is already putting pressure on us.”

  “Damn. Okay, you better arrange for his release then. Oh and get someone to tail him for a while? You never know, he might just lead us to the van, or something we’re missing.”

  “I’ll sort it,” Will said. “Leave it with me. Did Layla get hold of you, by the way?”

  “No. I tried to call her last night but she wouldn’t pick up.”

  “Well, she just rang here looking for you, she wanted to leave a message but I told her to get hold of you direct, so expect a call.”

  Just then, my phone vibrated in my ear.

  “Gotta go, Will. See you soon.” I answered the call then turned on the engine. Layla’s voice came over the loud speakers.

  “I won’t be in today. I’m sick.”

  “Really? Nothing too bad, I hope.”

  “Women’s problems.”

  I knew it was a lie, she was still licking her wounds from yesterday, but there was nothing I could do about it. “Can we find some time to talk? I think you got the wrong end of the stick yesterday.”

  “I don’t want to talk about work—I’m on the sick.”

  “Of course. Hope you’re feeling better soon. Call me tomorrow if you’re not coming in again.” I said, tight-lipped and silently seething. We were now three people down. How the hell was I expected to catch a psychotic killer when I didn’t even have a full functioning team at my disposal?

  The day was uneventful. In fact, it couldn’t have been any more boring. I had a mountain of paperwork to catch up on so I got stuck into that which took the majority of the day and I still hadn’t finished. Not only did I have my own work to complete and file but Savage hadn’t been at top of his game in the paperwork department.

  I was glad to finally get home, relieved I didn’t have to cook because Steve was bringing takeaway. Slouching onto the sofa, I heard the key in the lock, and, for a moment, forgot I’d told Steve to take it.

  “I’m in the living room,” I called out.

  Steve popped his head round the door and smiled. “Good day?”

  “Crap to be honest, but seeing you, it just got better.”

  “You’re only saying that because I have bags of food in my hands?”

  The aroma from the food soon captured my attention “I’m saying nothing,” I replied, teasing.

  “Right, you stay there and put your feet up and I’ll get the plates and bring everything to you.”

  “No, it’s okay, let’s eat at the table.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yeah,” I said, hauling my arse off the sofa and planting a big kiss on his cheek.

  Twenty-Nine

  Still nothing to go on the next day, I completed the last of the paperwork. Afterwards, I began trawling through the case files once again, positive we must be missing something, but it was a fruitless task. I packed up early and headed home to prepare for Roy.

  An expert at preparing comfort food, I’d cooked a nice, hearty meal and hoped Roy would enjoy it. I’d told Steve I was busy tonight, not ready for him to see me in all my Avaline glory just yet.

  It had been pissing down for half an hour when the doorbell rang. I dried my hands on a tea towel then rushed to answer it.

  “About time, darling,” he snipped.

  “Hello to you, too.” I stepped aside allowing him entry.

  “Sorry, today has been hellish, but I’m here in one piece and something smells divine.”

  “Braised steak, mashed potato, carrots and green beans.”

  “Lovely,” he said, weighed down. “Let me put this stuff down somewhere and I can give you a hand.”

  “Dinner is already cooked and ready to serve.” I took hold of the zipped up bag with the hanger attached, and the heavy makeup case, placing them carefully on the sofa.

  “Thanks,” he replied. “Yes, if we eat first, it gives us time to get on without interruption. Afterwards, I can steam your outfit again and make sure it looks ready for showtime.” />
  “Sounds good to me.” I led him into the kitchen. “Do you want a tea or coffee?”

  “Strong black coffee please, no sugar.”

  That was easily sorted. “Take a seat while I make the drink and dish up.”

  “It’s very kind of you to invite me round for a bite to eat. I usually eat alone, unless you count Liza for company.”

  “Liza?”

  “My cat.”

  “Oh,” I said, trying to keep a straight face, making a mental note to send any scraps of meat home with him. “Well, you’re welcome here anytime.”

  “You know, I thought you didn’t like me.”

  “What gave you that idea?” I felt bad because he was a great guy.

  “Oh, I dunno, most gay guys like you run a mile when they see an effeminate man.”

  “I was wary, I won’t lie, but now I’ve got to know you, I feel like I’ve found a friend for life.”

  “Awww, don’t,” he said, wafting his hand in front of his face. “I’ve got a touch of makeup on and you’ll have me looking a mess if it runs.”

  “A touch of makeup–you’re kidding aren’t you?” I don’t know what possessed me but I’d said it before I could stop myself.

  “Cheeky bitch,” he said with a glint in his eye.

  And we both laughed which was why I liked him so much. He was easy to talk to. I enjoyed the time we spent together.

  “I mean what I say–you’re welcome here anytime you feel like some company.”

  “Thank you, darling, that means the world to me. Now move your arse—I could eat a horse.”

  “Yes, sir,” I replied sorting the drink.

  We laughed over dinner and Roy indulged in second helpings which was good to see, so my cooking can’t have been that bad. It was a shame we couldn’t partake in a glass of wine or two, but work beckoned.

  Moving into the sitting room, he unzipped the outfit on the hanger.

  “That isn’t what you described to me.”

  “I know, I know, but you’re doing the Queen of Pop so I thought we’d go full throttle. I even found a monocle you can use.”

  “A monocle, what do I need a monocle for?”

  “Pass me that phone and I’ll show you.”

  He showed me a video of Madonna performing Express Yourself live on stage, wearing a man’s suit with a pink conical bra underneath the jacket. She used the monocle as a prop to great effect. Shania, I could just about pull off, but this was ambitious to say the least.

  Five minutes later, my heart was in my mouth. “And you really expect me to be able to do that?”

  “No chance, but even a few moves with a nod in that direction and you’ll be a smash, trust me.”

  “I’m not sure about this, Roy.”

  “Nonsense,” he replied. “Did you download the song?”

  “Yeah.” I was trembling with nerves.

  “And you know the words?”

  “I do.”

  “Then we’re halfway there. Sit there for a moment and watch me, okay.”

  Still wary of the neighbours, I closed the curtains then plonked myself down on the sofa, and pressed play on the remote as an incarnation of Madonna emerged before my very eyes.

  After the song had finished, he took a bow.

  I clapped, massively impressed.

  “See, it’s easy.”

  “For you, maybe, but I’m not sure I’ll look anywhere near as good as you did.”

  “You’ll be fine. A few slut drops here and there, that lot will be asking for autographs.”

  “Slut drops,” I shouted out. “I can’t do a slut drop, in or out of heels, Roy.”

  “Have some faith, please.”

  Faith was one thing, but delusions were another.

  “Not bad, darling, but let’s go through it a few more times and I think you’re there,” Roy said.

  “I told you I couldn’t do a slut drop.”

  “We can take that out—it’s supposed to be sexy, but you looked like you’d thrown your back out.”

  I burst out laughing, despite the insult. “Thanks. But I’d rather try—I’m not one to be beaten.”

  “You’re welcome. And it’s up to you. Now hit the play button and focus, we don’t have long to have you looking halfway decent.”

  Thirty

  I hadn’t heard a thing from Layla, so assumed she would be in the office when I arrived.

  To my surprise and annoyance, she wasn’t there.

  “Morning,” I said looking towards Joanna and Will. “Is Layla about?”

  Will popped his head up from behind his computer screen. “Morning, boss. Not seen her yet. Have you, Jo?”

  Joanna shook her head. “I haven’t seen her either. Isn’t she supposed to be on the sick?”

  I didn’t want to answer her question. “If you hear from her can you let me know? I was expecting her in today.”

  “No worries.”

  I turned to Will. “I’m just gonna head in to see Janine.”

  “Right-o,” he replied.

  “Jo, I need to have a quick word after I’ve seen Janine, don’t go anywhere.”

  She looked at me and I could see her mind ticking over, wondering if she’d done something wrong. “Okay.”

  I made my way down the corridor and knocked on Janine’s door.

  “Enter,” she bellowed.

  I stepped inside. “Morning, Dylan. Come on in.”

  “Thanks.” I took a seat. “I’ll apologise beforehand but I need to have a moan.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Go on.”

  “First of all, Layla is a no show this morning and she hasn’t called me to say she won’t be in.”

  “Have you called her?”

  “Not yet.”

  “Then do it.”

  “Now?”

  “No better time,” she snipped. “If Layla isn’t going to be in, she knows procedure.”

  “Guess so,” I said pulling my phone from my pocket and dialled her number. It went straight through to her voicemail. I hated leaving messages, but did so anyway, asking her to contact me urgently.

  “Let me know what’s happening with her, will you?”

  “Will do.”

  “What else do you want me for?”

  “I need more officers urgently–we’re grossly understaffed, and with Layla sick, I’m three people down.”

  “I can’t just snap my fingers and magic three new people, Dylan. There are other cases besides yours.”

  “Well, when the shit hits the fan, don’t say I didn’t try.”

  “Is the pressure getting to you? You seem a little snippy today.”

  “No, the pressure isn’t getting to me in that way, but I’m busting my balls here trying to find this lunatic, plus Jade Kelly gets cremated this afternoon, and I don’t know how I’m going to face her family.”

  “It happens to us all, but I’m confident you’re doing all you can to solve this, but leave it with me and I’ll do my best to get you at least one other person to cover by tomorrow. Will that help?”

  “Anything will help.”

  “Let’s hope Layla’s back soon.”

  “I know it’s against policy, but I’m going to head around to see her if I don’t hear anything in the next few days.”

  “If Layla doesn’t follow absence procedure, the end of her marriage won’t be the only thing she has to worry about.”

  I didn’t want to get into a bitchfest about my partner, and so I excused myself.

  Coffee called, so I headed straight to the staffroom and grabbed a cup, taking it back to my office, almost forgetting I needed to speak to Joanna.

  “Jo,” I called. “Can I grab a quick word now?”

  “Sure,” she replied, plonking herself down on the chair on the other side of the desk.

  “It’s nothing urgent but as I don’t know what’s happening with Layla yet, I wondered if you’d mind accompanying me to Jade’s funeral this afternoon?”

  “Of course
, I will.”

  “Great, we’ll take my car.”

  The tiny crematorium was packed to the rafters with people from all walks of life. They congregated on the front steps and just inside the miniscule foyer, either hugging and comforting one another, or eying each other with disdain and indifference—no different to any other funeral I’d attended. All families are complex, no matter how small and tight-knit. I’ve found there’s always a black sheep, a sleazy uncle, and at least two people who haven’t spoken in years.

  Joanna and I watched from the car initially, not wanting to intrude on anybody’s grief but needing to witness any odd behaviour or identify any dodgy looking mourners.

  “So what now?” Joanna asked. “I’ve not been to a victim’s funeral before.”

  “We watch and wait. Once everyone goes inside, we can slip in the back. Hopefully they’ll have a sign-in register in the foyer we can photograph and check out any names we don’t recognise and their connection to the victims. We’ll be able to cross reference that list with those who attend Gina’s funeral too.”

  We waited until everyone vanished through the doors before leaving the warmth of the car and heading inside.

  It was standing room only at the back of the chapel. Joanna and I slipped in, relatively unnoticed, and scanned the room.

  All I could see was the back of everyone’s head, but I couldn’t see anyone who resembled Wilkes anywhere. Maybe he wouldn’t turn up, but I would be surprised. The narcissistic prick wouldn’t be able to help himself.

  Halfway through the service, I noticed a movement beside the door and a collective hushed whisper spread around the room, accompanied by several disgruntled people who’d turned to face the door, shooting daggers at someone.

  Stepping forwards, I finally caught sight of what had caused the commotion. Darren Wilkes stood just inside the doorway, wearing a full length burgundy coloured overcoat which caught everyone’s eye in the sea of black and sombre colours. “Bingo,” I muttered to Joanna, nodding my head in his direction.

  The sound of running footfalls caught my attention, seeming strange considering the circumstances, and a young man, probably in his early twenties, flew up the aisle towards Wilkes, his huge fists balled, ready for a fight.