by Robert White
Anne looked at Dave. She appeared puzzled. “Did you just say end? This is just the start darling. Don’t be negative.”
She jumped back onto the bed and held Dave tight, but as she closed her eyes and felt the strength of Dave’s naked body, she felt suddenly scared. Scared of what? A genuine fear of falling in love? She shouldn’t be reacting this way. For God’s sake she was thirty-one. She’d known this man for a few days and she couldn’t drink in enough of him. This wasn’t Mills and bloody Boon, it was reality. She had to get a grip; there were other more pressing problems. John McCauley for a start.
She opened her eyes again and there he was. His powerful chest still glistened with sweat from their last encounter. She looked into his eyes and once again, none of it mattered. Her words came without second thoughts. All fear chased away by those deep brown pools. “You can’t get rid of me that easily David.”
Dave held her to him again. The words slipped from his mouth without reservation. He knew he held someone and something very special in is arms.
“I have no intention of letting you go Anne.”
Anne’s stomach did another flip at his casual honesty. Her head though, was full of contradictions. She knew how powerful McCauley was and how fickle the Police service could be.
“Neither have I, but we might only have a short time David. There are forces at work more powerful than either of us.”
Dave didn’t understand, but then again he had never understood any woman. All he knew was he wanted to stick hold of this one.
He smiled. “I’m sure that’ll make sense to me in time lass.” He swung his legs from the bed and did his best to imitate the Queens English. “Shall we Madame?”
Dave got himself together and within twenty minutes the pair left for Anne’s considerable home.
Dave stood and took in the view. In the middle of the room was a baby-grand piano. The décor reflected Anne’s character. Feminine yet practical furnishings intermingled with the odd piece of art that would set you back a small fortune. The whole room though, had one theme running right through it.
Class.
Anne was elsewhere packing her ‘few essentials’. Dave looked around the room and noticed she had an answer-phone. Dave had only ever seen one in an office before and studied it. A small red light blinked furiously on the top. Next to it a button that explained, ‘message’
Dave knew he shouldn’t, but somehow he couldn’t help himself. He pressed the button and a tape somewhere inside the machine started to rewind. Eventually it stopped and the message started.
“Hello Anne, it’s me. You there?” the message began. Dave recognised the voice instantly.
“No? OK. Well listen, I got your note this morning and I thought we could get together tonight. I’ll be round about ten with a little something to get the mood going. I can’t wait. Oh, and wear that little black number I got you.”
The machine stopped and so did the blinking light.
Dave felt ashamed and sick all at the same time.
“What are you snooping around with big boy?” Anne breezed into the room clutching an overnight bag.
Dave nearly had a heart attack. He leapt back from the answer phone. He knew he must look guilty.
“Oh just admiring your electrical appliances.”
“Well stop it and come and admire me!”
Anne put her arms around Dave’s neck and kissed him heavily. Dave looked into her eyes. “I’m sorry, I promise to be more attentive in future.”
Anne slid her hand down to his crotch and gave him a gentle squeeze. “I think I can keep you occupied David.”
Her mouth locked onto his and her perfume engulfed him. Dave was in heaven again and the message, for the time being, was forgotten.
seven
Andy Dunn had a serious hangover. He’d taken some aspirin, swallowed gallons of water and even considered having another beer he felt so bad. He and Lucy had been on a real bender. They had left the club just after Dave and Anne, taken a taxi to his house and drank themselves into oblivion.
Eventually Lucy had to go back to work at The Bull and ‘Armless was left to his headache. He’d called Dave and got no reply. He presumed he was still engaged in carnal activity with the lovely Anne. Therefore, in a state of boredom he rang the nick for a chat with his old mate Doug James.
Doug was the day desk Sergeant at Preston nick. He didn’t get involved in any pro-active Policing these days due to a back injury, but if you wanted to know what was going on, he was the man.
“You’ll never believe this,” croaked Doug, “but that lad Billy Bailey has done one from the Magistrates Court this morning. Kicked the shit out of two Bobbies and done a Sebastian Coe across the Ring road.”
“Fuck me,” Andy let out a low whistle, “so the shite has hit the fan then pal?”
“You’re telling me ‘Armless. This little fucker has got the whole nick in a right tizzy. It’s been on the tele and everythin’ today. Where the fuck you been?”
Andy rubbed his eyes and yawned. The drama was interesting but he still could do with a serious kip.
“Well Doug, what can I say? Me and young Dave Stewart had a few bevies over the weekend and we both got lucky,” he gave an evil laugh, “you know how it is pal.”
“Used to, Armless, used to, but I’m a bit long in the tooth now. I don’t know where you get the energy from.”
Andy lowered his voice for no reason other than effect, “Our young Dave has pulled for wee Anne Wallace.”
Now it was Doug’s turn to whistle, “Not McCauley’s little favourite?”
“One and the same pal; as true as I’m standin’ here”
Doug became grave. “You better tell your boy to watch his back. If the Chief finds out he’s on the nest with that one he’s likely to throw an eppi.”
Armless brushed off Doug’s’ remarks. “Awe come on Doug you know a standing prick has no conscience. He’s a young laddie and besides McCauley’s too old for Anne Wallace. If I’d have had half a chance I’d have been there like a rat up a drainpipe. Fuck the Chief.”
Doug’s serious tone barely made it above the background noise of the nick his voice now little more than a whisper. “I’m telling you Andy, I’ve known John McCauley since we were cadets at sixteen. I’ve seen him do some real crazy stuff. He thinks he’s above the law. He won’t think twice about seriously hurting your young mate there or his new found skirt either. You take care now and, if I were you, I’d keep that snippet of information to yourself.”
“What do you mean Doug, crazy stuff like?”
Doug was having none of it. “Oh no! I want to keep my little number here thanks. My pension is only twelve months away. I’m saying’ fuck all.”
Doug sounded very uncomfortable; Andy even thought he detected genuine fear. “I got to get back to work now Andy.”
Both men said their goodbyes and Andy walked to the kitchen to make coffee. He pondered Doug’s comments. He knew McCauley was a bit on the seedy side. He’d heard all the rumours. Nevertheless, Doug was always one for the station gossip. It was unlike him to clam up like that.
Andy opened a new jar of coffee and realised he had one open already. He cursed under his breath. His head still throbbed unabated. Forget Doug, McCauley and all that shit. He just needed to feel better. He drank his brew and thanked the Lord that he had no work to go to.
For Doug James and the rest of the shift at Preston nick, it was bedlam. Teams of uniformed officers were being drafted in for the search for William Henry Bailey.
Dog handlers huddled in groups, waiting for their orders, while harassed Sergeants tried to make sense of the search patterns their men were to execute.
Raymond Holmes stood in the CID office, dressed in the latest fashionable offering. His solid frame showed the suit off to a tee. He was unable to stop himself from admiring his own image in the reflective glass of the station windows. His latest client was waiting to be interviewed. In all the uproar, delays were inev
itable.
He watched the proceedings with mild amusement.
Billy had caused a stir; even made the Granada news. Still, if what Holmes suspected to be going on, really was the truth, then Billy’s’ break for freedom would only assist the case.
Raymond knew if he got Billy off this one, well, every two-bit street kid in town would be clamouring for his services.
Fuck the Beamer. He would have a Ferrari next year. Raymond walked over to the filing cabinet that contained the crime property ledgers. In all the confusion, nobody noticed the solicitor open the drawer and remove the book.
Raymond casually walked to the photocopier and copied the pages he required from the ledger. He then replaced the book and left the office whistling his favourite song.
The Chief was having a real bad day. He sat in his favourite chair, a very large scotch in his hand.
Not only had that bitch Anne Wallace left him high and dry on Saturday night, but he had been unable to trace her or find out who she was with.
Then, to add insult to injury the fuckin’ wooden tops had let his body walk out of the fuckin’ Magistrates Court without a bye or leave.
Now to end a perfect day that little queer Ray Holmes was on the phone.
McCauley was venomous, “What the fuck do you want Holmes and how did you get my home number?”
Holmes was calm and to the point. He was in the driving seat. He was convinced of it. “Keep your shirt on Chief Superintendant and listen for once. You and I need to meet somewhere discreet.”
McCauley let out a false belly laugh. “You’re not my type Holmes, and, I have no desire to see your poof face outside office hours.”
Holmes was too confident to be riled. “Listen you bigoted arsehole, I know you’ve tampered with the evidence in the Bailey case and I can prove it. Therefore, if you want to collect your fat pension you’ll meet me. ”
McCauley took the phone from his ear and looked down at the mouthpiece with raised eyebrows. He found the whole idea of a queer bloke being demonstrative wildly amusing.
A few seconds later he resumed the conversation. He let out a wearisome sigh. “When and where Holmes?”
“That’s better McCauley,” Holmes was smiling.
What Holmes couldn’t see, was that the Chief was almost crying laughing.
Dave drove and Anne slept. They had been on the road for almost two hours and were now close to their destination, a small guesthouse off Coniston Lake, Cumbria.
The Sierra Cosworth car was a dream for Dave, fast and sporty.
He pushed the vehicle to its limits on the winding roads that led to the lake.
Anne awoke. “Hey what’s the hurry Sterling?”
Dave was smiling. “Just enjoying myself, let me play with my new toy for a while.”
Anne leaned over and rested her head on Dave’s shoulder. He had changed into a T-shirt and jeans and she admired his physique. She ran her hand down his bicep to his forearm. “I’m having a wonderful time David. You really make a woman feel good.”
Dave glanced across at Anne. She too was dressed casually. He couldn’t help but notice how the tight ribbed sweater emphasised her fantastic figure. “You don’t do too badly yourself madam. You scrub up pretty good.”
The two lapsed into silence as the car pushed on towards their final destination. Only people who are comfortable together can achieve happy silences. Anne and Dave managed just fine.
Dual carriageway turned to single track road. The fabulous Lake District countryside stretched out to either side of the couple and they marveled in its early spring beauty.
Dave finally pulled the car into a space outside an historic looking house; outside which, a sign boasted home cooked dishes and home grown produce.
No sooner had they stepped inside, when they were welcomed by a lady, introduced simply as Doris, who by her shape, indulged in the home grown produce on a regular basis. She had the pallor of a farmer’s wife. Small red veins had emerged on her cheeks giving the impression that she was permanently cold. She was a jolly soul and quickly settled them into their room. She warmed to her task as host, obviously enjoying the company of others. They showered, changed and made their way down the narrow stairs to the lobby.
“It’s a beautiful room Doris,” Anne reported as the pair sat down to dinner.
The landlady smiled at Dave and gave him a cheeky wink. “I don’t think your young man here is too interested in the furnishings. He ain’t taken his eyes off you since you arrived ma’am.”
Dave was ravenous and ate heartily on venison and roast potatoes. All the recent exercise had given him an appetite and the house’s promise was more than true.
He noticed that Anne barely touched her meal and voiced his concern.
“Something wrong Anne?”
Anne remained quiet for a few moments, obviously deep in thought.
“David,” she spoke slowly, deliberately. “I think its time for a little truth and consequences.”
He tone took Dave by surprise. “Go on.”
“Well, I’ve been sort of seeing someone for about a year or so,” Anne grimaced and added, “if you can call it that.”
Dave’s stomach turned over. His mind reverted back to that blinking light and the voice on the answer-phone.
“How can you be ‘sort of’ seeing someone?”
Anne held up her hand and Dave went silent. She spoke quietly, “It started when I was a DC over in Skelmesdale. Some colleagues from the nick were going over to the club at HQ for a retirement party.
I was driving, so I was watching my drinks. Anyway the guy in question joins our group and insists on buying a round. It was my own fault, I should have said ‘no’ but I accepted; just the one.
I remember it tasted really strong, but never thought more about it. When I said I was leaving, the same guy insists on buying me another. Again I accepted and we chatted at the bar for a while, talking shop and about my up-coming promotion board.
I felt fine to drive, but that’s what they all say isn’t it?”
Dave nodded but remained silent.
“I got in my car, I only had a mile or so to drive, but as I pulled into my road, there was a Traffic car waiting for me with a uniform inspector and Sergeant on board.”
“That stinks,” said Dave.
“Oh there’s more. I was breathalyzed and it was positive. I was arrested and taken to Preston nick. The Police Surgeon attended and took a blood sample and I was suspended from duty awaiting the results.”
Dave could think of little to say except, “shit.”
“Yes it was. Everything I’d worked for was about to go down the toilet. Anyway a month went by and I was informed that the blood sample had returned over the limit. The Court date was set a week later. My father arranged a defence lawyer for me and off I went, resigned to the fact that I was going to be prosecuted and subsequently sacked.
When we arrived at Court, my lawyer told me there was a problem with the Prosecution case. The original blood analysis forms had gone ‘missing’ and there would be no case to answer. The Police would offer no evidence.
A few days later I was back at my desk, feeling like the luckiest girl in the world.
A month later I went on my promotion board and the same guy was one of the interviewers. After the board, he invited me for a drink. This time I made sure it was a soft one.
I wasn’t attracted to him physically, but I did respect his work. We got along OK and I suppose one thing led to another.”
Anne took a large gulp of her drink. From the look on her face, Dave knew this wasn’t an easy confession.
“Anyway the up-shot of it was that I quickly got fed up and wanted to end it. The problem has been that he won’t take no for an answer.”
Dave was about to speak but Anne continued.
“Before you say anything, there’s more to it. You know how hard it can be for a woman in this job. Qualifications don’t mean shit. He made it perfectly clear what the bottom l
ine was. He’d pulled some strings for me with the drink-drive charge. He’d made the evidence ‘go away.’ and he ensured I made D.S.”
Anne held up her hand to stop Dave from commenting.
“Don’t say, ‘well just tell him it’s off’ either. It’s not that simple.”
Anne lit a cigarette and exhaled. It was the first time Dave had seen her so agitated. She played with the stem of her glass. Her bottom lip trembled slightly.
She showed the merest hint of a tear.
“There has been a high price to pay for the rank. I’ve paid it.”
The look on her face told Dave everything he needed to know about what the price entailed.
Anne nodded.
“Yes David. I paid too long and too often. I can see the look in your eyes. I’m not a whore. I work bloody hard. I’m not the first woman to use her sex to get ahead you know?”
She took another long pull on the cigarette. “He still doesn’t think I deserve it of course. The fact that my workload is higher than any other Detective Sergeant in the division, counts for sweet bugger all. He just wants to keep me where he wants me.”
Dave’s thoughts turned to McCauley and that message, although he had no intention of coming clean about his indiscretion. He leaned back in his chair.
“You really are worried about this guy aren’t you? I mean he’s obviously a Copper. What the hell can he do to you?”
The moment the words came out he thought back to his own run in with Detective Chief Superintendant McCauley. That man could do plenty. Anne gave a weak smile as if she’d just read Dave’s mind. She stubbed out her cigarette.
“David, this guy is an evil bastard. He is a crazy man with no conscience. I don’t want to put you in the position.”
Dave took her hand. He was feeling things for Anne in these short days that he had never felt before. He couldn’t tell her of course. It was too soon.
“You don’t know me that well Anne. I’m not going to let anything or anyone come between us.”
Now Anne smiled and, this time, the worry seemed to have left her face. She looked into the dark brown eyes of the man opposite her. It was true. She knew so little of him. After her recent experiences of men, she had seen David as a casual fling, someone to have a good time with and then part friends. She hadn’t banked on falling for him.