by M A Comley
“Surveillance? In the hope of what?” Kayli challenged him.
“Stop asking me questions that my brain is too bloody tired to answer.”
“Sorry, that wasn’t fair. We’ve still got a couple of hours before we can call it a day. I think it’s too soon to consider putting any kind of surveillance on Lincoln. However, that’s not to say that I won’t change my mind about doing that in the next few days. We just need more on him. I’m not saying he’s the culprit in either crime, but something stinks about this case, and I’m at a loss to know what that something is. I sure hope that alters soon before anyone else connected to Lincoln dies.”
“He owns a bar, right?”
Kayli nodded and rolled her eyes. “That’s correct.”
“Don’t look at me like that. Hear me out a second. What if this has to do with some kind of protection racket?”
Kayli contemplated his question for a few moments and nodded. “Well, it’s definitely worth looking in to. Do you know of any gangs operating that type of thing in this area?”
“No. We’d need to see what flags up on the system.”
“All right, maybe you’ve hit on something there, but there’s something puzzling me about that scenario. Yes, it’s feasible that Carmen might have been caught up in something as underhanded as this. What I can’t get to grips is why a gang would go after Adam Finley?”
Dave shrugged. “I’m not saying I’m right, but I don’t think it’s something we should ignore, either. At the end of the day, what else have we got to go on?”
“You’re right. Why don’t you do some digging into that when we get back?”
“With pleasure.”
“I think I’m going to call a press conference for later this afternoon, if I can get one organised that quickly. I just hope I can stay awake long enough to speak in front of the cameras.”
“Good idea. Maybe someone can give us a lead on the Harley.”
“Perhaps Donna can give us some good news on that when we get back.”
CHAPTER NINE
A couple of hours later, Kayli was addressing the local and regional press in its many forms and pleading for the public’s assistance. “Please, if you know of anyone who drives a motorbike like this in the area, get in touch with me on the number shown at the bottom of your screen. It’s imperative we locate the person immediately.” She held a blown-up photo of the bike from the CCTV footage. “If you were on the B4054 on either of the nights in question and saw this bike, or if you saw it on any of the roads leading off the B-road, please, please let us know. It’s important we track this person down immediately. One last thing, we have limited resources, and our officers cannot be on every street twenty-four seven. Therefore, we’re relying on you being our eyes and ears on the street. I want to assure you that we’re doing our utmost to apprehend this person, but until we do, I’m imploring you to take care, especially at night.” Kayli knew that if the DCI heard her briefing, she would be annoyed by Kayli’s use of such scare tactics on the public. However, needs must in Kayli’s eyes, and if the ruse worked, then it would make their lives a whole lot easier. She left the room, the media murmuring their surprise behind her.
When she walked through the reception area, the desk sergeant motioned that he wanted a word with her. “What’s up, Ray?”
He thumbed over his shoulder at a well-dressed man in his early forties pacing the floor. “I have someone requesting to see you, ma’am.”
“Does this person have a name?” Kayli asked, eyeing the man warily.
“A Brian Finley.”
Kayli smiled. “Ah, yes, I’ve been expecting him. Is there an interview room available? I’d rather not take him up to my office with the evidence board on view.”
“Of course. They’re all available. It’s a quiet day on the petty crime front.”
“Thanks. I’ll collect him and opt for Room One in that case.” She walked towards the man with an outstretched arm. “Hello, there, Mr. Finley, I’m DI Kayli Bright. We spoke on the phone. Thank you for coming to see me so promptly. If you’d like to follow me.”
“Hello, Inspector. I got here as fast as I could. I thought I’d drop in here first before I visit Adam at the mortuary. I should be able to see him today, shouldn’t I?”
“It might be too soon for that, but I can certainly ring the pathologist to find out for you.” Kayli led the way up the hallway.
“I’d appreciate that.”
Kayli gestured for Brian to take a seat at the table. “Have you seen Anita yet?”
“Yes, briefly. Her friend Mandy ended up asking a doctor to come out and give her something to help her sleep. She was very woozy. Tell me, have you got any idea who the offender is yet?”
“No. I’ve just held a press conference, asking for the public’s help to identify the vehicle we picked up on CCTV footage.”
“Let’s hope something comes of it. Are you dealing with any other incidences of this nature, Inspector?”
“Okay, I don’t usually open up to victims’ families during an investigation. However, my partner and I found out something very interesting this afternoon that could link your brother’s death to another crime we’re investigating.”
“Are you going to tell me what that crime is, Inspector? Is it another shooting? What’s the connection exactly?”
“Before I answer your questions, can you tell me if you know a Lincoln James?”
“Yes, of course I know Lincoln. He was Adam’s best friend. Has been since they were at school together. Why?”
Kayli exhaled a large breath. “Because the night before your brother was killed, Lincoln’s girlfriend died in a fatal accident. We believe that someone is guilty of forcing her off the road, the B4054, and causing her death and that of her unborn child.”
His hands covered his face then pushed his grey hair back off his forehead. “What? I don’t believe this! How? Is the connection Lincoln?” he asked, his solicitor’s brain swiftly kicking into action.
“We didn’t think so at first. Now, in light of the fact that Lincoln knew both the victims, we’re inclined to believe he’s the connection, although we’ve only just realised this and have yet to delve deeper into why.”
“You’re not suggesting he’s a suspect, are you?”
“I don’t see the point in lying to you, given your profession, Brian. Let’s just say I’m keeping a very open mind on that for now.”
He expelled a breath and shook his head. “I find that incredible to believe. However, I understand why you must investigate this angle.”
“How well do you know Lincoln yourself?”
“Fairly well. He used to stay over at the house when they were at school. I’d moved out by then, being six years older than Adam. What I do know is that my parents treated Lincoln like another son. They’ll be devastated to think you’re regarding him as a suspect.”
“I’m not, yet. Please don’t let this conversation go any further.”
“I won’t. Look, Inspector, all I want is for you to find the person responsible for putting my brother in the mortuary. I still think you’re barking up the wrong tree if you end up accusing Lincoln of the crime. What would be his motive, for a start?”
Kayli shook her head. “We haven’t discovered one as yet. If you can vouch for his character, then that’s good enough for me. Did Adam ever mention if he had any enemies?”
“No. He’s such a genuinely friendly guy. He bore the good genes in the family. Always remained even-tempered no matter what was thrown at him, unlike me. I tend to strike out first—with a tongue-lashing, I mean, never with my fists—and ask questions later.”
“I’m the same. Maybe that’s due to the careers we’ve chosen. I asked the same question of Lincoln a few hours ago. If anything, I’m leaning towards someone maybe having a problem with him and seeking revenge by targeting those closest to him.”
He nodded. “And what was Lincoln’s reaction to that?”
“He was inconso
lable about Adam’s death and unable to give me any information that could spark us into investigating that side of things. I’ve left my card with him in the hope that he snaps out of his grief soon and puts his thinking cap on, if you like. Our investigation is at a standstill until he can provide us with some useful information.”
“Would it help if I dropped by to see him?”
She shook her head. “By what you’ve just told me about giving people a tongue-lashing, maybe you should sit on that for a day or two. I’m sure something will come from the appeal I’ve just put out. Fingers crossed, anyway. We’re trying to trace all the people in the area who own a Harley-Davidson. That’s the bike we’ve spotted on CCTV footage around the time both incidents occurred.”
“There can’t be that many in the area, surely?”
“I don’t think there are. Our problem is that the number plate was deliberately obscured. For all we know, the bike might be housed in a garage and not see the light of day until it gets dark, if you get my meaning.”
“I do. I don’t envy you the task of tracking the vehicle down, given the facts you’ve just presented.” He smiled. “Sorry for the solicitor speak.”
“I’m glad you understand our dilemma. Not everyone will with this case. We’re doing our best with the evidence that has surfaced so far. I must tell you one thing, but this mustn’t go any further.” He nodded. “I have a feeling there is more to Lincoln than we’ve managed to ascertain so far. I was at the hospital when Carmen lost her life, and I witnessed the reaction Carmen’s sister, Jacky, had towards Lincoln. It’s been niggling at me ever since.”
“I don’t understand. He’s always been pleasant enough to me. Of course, I lost contact with him a few years ago when I moved north. Did you question the sister?”
“As much as I could without seeming to be insensitive after her sister’s death.”
“I see. I take it you’ve carried out a background check on Lincoln?”
Kayli nodded.
“Of course you have.”
“We’ve found nothing. I didn’t really expect to because he has a liquor licence. You know how stringent the searches are to obtain one of those?”
“I do. Maybe he’s in the clear, and it’s your investigative imagination getting the better of you. I realise we’ve only just met, but you seem a pretty astute woman, Inspector. Maybe a little too astute.” He laughed lightly.
Kayli smiled. “Maybe you’re right. My partner has taken over the reins of looking into the Lincoln side of things, so maybe by distancing myself from him my thinking will become clearer. Anyway, if there’s nothing else, I better get back to see if the appeal has prompted any calls into the incident room.”
“No, there’s nothing else. Thank you for taking the time out of your exhaustive schedule to speak with me. If I can just ask a small favour of you before you go?”
She frowned and tilted her head. “What’s that?”
“You mentioned that you could clear things with the pathologist for me.”
“Of course.” She fished her phone out of her pocket and dialled the mortuary’s number.
Naomi wasn’t available, but one of her assistants said that Adam Finley’s body was in the process of being prepared for the family viewing. Kayli thanked the assistant and ended the call. “She asked that you give them half an hour or so, if that’s okay?”
“I appreciate that. Thank you, Inspector. It’ll give me enough time to freshen up before I pay my final respects to my brother.” His eyes became moist, and he brushed at them with the back of his hand.
Why do some men consider breaking down and showing their emotions a sign of weakness?
Kayli rose from her chair and walked towards the door. “I’ll show you out. I’ve got your number. As soon as I have a suspect under arrest, I’ll ring you—you have my word on that.”
They strode up the corridor side-by-side.
“I appreciate that. Give me a call if you need anything. Good luck, Inspector.” He shook her hand firmly, which was unusual for a man. Normally men felt they needed to be gentle with her slim fingers so as not to crush them.
“I will. Be in touch soon.” She watched him walk out of the building before she turned on her heel and ran up the stairs to the incident room. As she neared the door, she heard several phones ringing. She punched the air in excitement and entered the room to find all three members of her team on the phone. At last! Let’s hope something breaks soon.
Dave glanced up at her and shook his head, followed by Donna and Graeme, both of whom gave her a negative response.
Dave hung up. “I think you scared the whole of Bristol into ringing us. We’re not getting the leads we need to aid the investigation. All we’re getting is a lot of hassle from people demanding that we get out there and track this bike and its driver down.”
Kayli slammed her clenched fist against her thigh. “Shit! That wasn’t my intention. Sorry, guys. Lesson learned: there’s a fine line between asking the public for information and scaring the crap out of them, and I think I’ve just overstepped that mark.”
“All’s not lost yet, boss,” Donna said. “I’ve had a few calls mentioning the names and addresses of people who have motorbikes. I’m going to tally those up with the names already on my list. I’ll get back to you with the results in a few minutes.”
“Thanks, Donna. At least that sounds more hopeful. Our next step should be seeking out these people who own the Harleys and either ask them to come in for questioning or go and visit them.”
“What if the offender is among those on the list? If we make contact, he could run,” Dave said.
Kayli shrugged. “I’m open to suggestions, Dave.”
He sat back in his chair and tapped the side of his face with his pen. “I don’t know what the answer is. Maybe get uniform to drive by the addresses and see if they’re a match?”
“I know nothing about motorbikes, but wouldn’t they all look the same?”
Graeme nodded. “Sort of. They can vary from model to model. I’ve been in touch with a motorbike expert I know, and he’s going to try and identify the model for me from the picture. It doesn’t help that the number plate was obscured, though. The thing is, the driver could easily clean the plates up after he’s done the deed. So would there be any point sending uniform out to the addresses? Again, if our guys are spotted, the offender could still take off.”
Kayli stared at the wall ahead of her for a moment, trying to solve the problem, but nothing came to mind. “Let’s stick with gathering the evidence from the calls for now and revisit the situation later. Let me know what your friend says. I’ll be in my office if you need me. Just grin and bear any flack coming your way from the public on this one, guys.”
Disappointed that she had apparently caused the team extra work, she walked into her office and shut the door. She could hear the phones in the incident room starting up again. A bloody nightmare if nothing comes from this.
An hour and a half, and the beginnings of a headache, later, Kayli rejoined the team for an update. “How does it look?” she asked, walking towards Dave’s desk.
“Donna has matched a couple of the calls to the Harley list. Apart from that, the motorbikes people are ringing in about are not Harleys.”
Kayli sighed, feeling beat down by the news. “Damn! Saying that, I don’t think I’d be able to name the different makes of bikes out there, and I certainly couldn’t identify them.”
“Not so fast. Graeme’s friend thinks he can identify the model of the bike. Don’t laugh ... it’s called a Fat Boy Lo, 2010 model.”
“That’s brilliant news and done wonders for my spirit.”
“Where do we go from here then, boss?”
Weariness replacing her sudden high, Kayli perched on the desk behind her and rubbed at her temples to try to ease the pain in her pounding head. “Although I’d love to go home and put my feet up, I think we should visit the owners of the Harleys. How many have we got in the immediate
vicinity, Donna?”
“Five, boss.”
“That’s not too many. What about if we leave Donna here to answer the phone and the three of us visit the owners?”
Dave shrugged, and Graeme nodded.
“And what do we say when we arrive at the addresses?” Graeme asked, puzzled.
“I suppose see if the bike is on show first of all, Graeme. Give it a discreet look over and then ask the driver how often he uses it and which route he takes. Don’t ask anything too invasive at this point. Let’s head off. Dave and I will call at two addresses each, and Graeme, you stick with the fifth one. It shouldn’t take us too long.”
The three of them left the station together and returned a few hours later, feeling like they’d wasted their time. Three of the bikes’ owners were at work in their day-to-day vehicles, according to their wives. They had persuaded the wives to show them the bikes sitting in the garage, but it was clear that those weren’t the ones they were interested in. The other two bikes, the owners had taken to work with them. Graeme and Dave checked at the workplace of each of the owners and, again, soon realised the bikes weren’t the one connected to the crime.”
Kayli asked Donna and Graeme to stay on later than usual to answer any calls that would likely come in from the evening news bulletin that was due to air in a couple of hours. However, she and Dave called it a day at five thirty. On her way out of the station, she confirmed with the desk sergeant that there would be a few cars patrolling the B4054 during the night.
She rang the bell at Annabelle’s house twenty minutes later, dead on her feet since the day’s adrenaline had subsided.
Annabelle kissed her cheek and offered her a glass of wine without hesitation.
“That would be great. It’s been a very looong day.”
“You’re not kidding. How often does that type of thing happen?”
Kayli sat down at the kitchen table and sipped her glass of chilled white wine. “Not that often, thankfully. I know the public are always slating us for not patrolling the streets like we used to, but when you pull long shifts such as Dave and I did today, something has to give. I think my team and I gave it our all today. I’m satisfied, anyway.”