by Carole Pitt
Elizabeth looked up. ‘Tell Ben I want A4 sheets for canvassing. I'd hate to think there's a few Miss Marples out there who might remember these people, but is half blind.’
‘I don't always recognise my old school friends and that’s not so long ago. Thirty years, no way would I remember, ’Katie said.
Elizabeth sat up and stretched. 'Cold cases are notoriously difficult from that point of view regarding people's recollections. Like you, some of us can barely remember what happened last week, so thirty years is asking a lot.’
‘DCS Daly is still keeping a low profile,’ Katie said.
'He certainly is. All those months he was working with the spooks, I missed him, couldn't wait for him to come back. Now he's avoiding me.'
'He must have a good reason,' Katie offered.
'Let's not talk about Daly and concentrate on the possible reaction to these photos. The assumption is some people have a clearer recollection than others do. Witnesses always over egg the pudding. Most want to help the police, so if they can't remember they'll often elaborate about what they think they saw. This is when it becomes difficult. We have to take every statement seriously even if it's a load of garbage. There are only a few reasons for a witness statement to have any credibility.'
Katie added. 'A witness is exactly that, a person who sees firsthand and remembers clearly.'
'Let’s say a witness tells a friend what he saw. When that friend tells another person the story changes, so by the time a dozen people have heard it, it's not reliable. However, spotting something on a day you'll always remember, like nine eleven, or the day a celebrity dies, most people recall what they were doing. I'm not saying it works for everyone but I know I can remember what I was up to on certain dates. So let's think of a hypothetical situation. You're a bridesmaid on the way to your sister's wedding and you’ll always remember the date. It's approaching two o' clock on a Saturday afternoon. A traffic jam holds up the wedding car and you begin to panic because the ceremony begins a two and the church is still three miles away. The chauffer gets out of the car to find out what’s going on. You're wearing a full-length dress and satin shoes so you open the window and stay inside the car. Across the street, you see an altercation between several youths. They’re shouting obscenities at each other and it scares you, all you want to do is drive away. As soon as you arrive at the church, you forget about the incident. A week later when you’re telling a friend about the wedding, you mention how you almost didn’t make it. Had you watched the news or read a newspaper you would know about a young man found dead in the park. The police are linking this murder to a fight that happened earlier in the day. One youth is in custody and another already charged. The police appeal for witnesses to come forward but you don’t, because you haven’t yet made the connection. Months later, the press report that the two accused receive life sentences. Only then does the penny drop but only two years later the case reopens due to new evidence. It's now a high profile case and the cops are appealing for witnesses again. Right Katie, tell me what happens next?'
CHAPTER FIFTY
As they headed to the interview room Patterson, having observed Eldridge’s self-important attitude decided to ignore him. Inside, Howell was leant back, arms folded across his chest, his body language oozing arrogance. In response, Eldridge adopted his cool dude act, swaggered towards the table, slipped off his designer jacket and loosened his tie. He pulled out a chair with an exaggerated flourish and fiddled with the recording equipment. Patterson leaned against the wall and eyed up Howell until Eldridge got himself organised. He wondered if Eldridge had forgotten Howell's solicitor needed to be present before they could begin questioning him. Again, he opted to stay silent; if he cocked it up, tough.
'I suggest you cooperate.' Eldridge informed Howell as he placed pen and notebook on the table. 'This isn't a social occasion.'
Patterson seethed inwardly as Eldridge continued the act, his accent suddenly mimicking a stereotyped New York cop confronting a Columbian drugs baron. What was it with the guy? He accepted most of his animosity towards Eldridge was down to Katie Gardiner who'd very cleverly played them off against each other. She was another one who had her eye on rapid advancement without having to graft. For the last few months he'd found it hard to stomach either of them, especially more recently when Daly had blatantly favoured Eldridge. Happily, all that nonsense was over according to the gossipmongers. The word on the wire was Daly had not just hauled DC Wayne Eldridge over the proverbial hot coals, more like through molten lava. Prior to that Patterson reflected on how his depression had lifted when he'd heard Eldridge was swapping policing for the high powered world of computer gaming. Although no one knew exactly when, he'd started counting down the days. The next rumour came from a junior detective, who'd eavesdropped outside Daly's office. Eldridge wasn't leaving after all.
Patterson was back to square one and somehow had to learn to live with him. As if Eldridge knew exactly when to press the right buttons, he gave him an order. 'Our guest needs a caffeine hit. Do the honours and make it three. You look like you need one.’
Patterson detached himself from the wall and miraculously stayed calm apart from mouthing, the little shit, as he opened the door. A few yards down the dazzlingly white corridor, he bumped into Elizabeth and Katie.
'You look pissed off,' Elizabeth said.
Gardiner gave him her seductive smile, reminding Patterson of a rattlesnake seconds before it struck. 'Howell's brief is late. If she doesn't turn up soon I'm out of there,' he stated. How are you doing with the photos?'
Gardiner sounded supremely confident. 'We’ve listed a description of everyone in the photos. I’m taking them back to Ben now so we should have the flyers by tomorrow lunchtime.'
'As we're on the photo topic, when you’re finished with Ben, start the other search straightaway.' Elizabeth said to her.
‘What’s that?’ Patterson asked.
'Katie’s looking into Carstairs’s background,’ Elizabeth announced.
‘I thought you wanted me to handle that?’
‘Stay with Eldridge for now. I need to find out where Daly’s gone.’
Patterson nodded. ‘Gerry Blake’s just phoned in and said rather than wait for us to break his door down he's coming in voluntarily. Hinted he has a couple of things he wants to tell us. Maybe Darren could handle him. I'll be glad to get out of that interview room.'
Elizabeth desperately needed a break or she’d explode. 'The only reason you're in there is to supervise Eldridge. Is he still behaving?’
'Apart from playing the bad cop act, he is,' Patterson begrudgingly admitted.
‘Once Howell’s charged we’ll call on Carstairs,’ Elizabeth pulled off her left shoe and rubbed her ankle. 'Come and find me when you’re done.’
Patterson glanced at the three-inch heel. 'You shouldn't wear those.’
'I know, but they boost my confidence.'
Gardiner had to have her say. 'When will you lot understand female officers don't have to look like bag ladies.'
Elizabeth eyes warned him not to retaliate.
Gardiner checked her watch. 'I better hurry up. Ben said to get the photos over as soon as possible.'
Patterson dawdled back to the interview room. A petite thirty something blonde sat next to Howell. She introduced herself as Imogene Grey.
Patterson wondered if Howell knew her, or she was on the duty rota.
'Are we ready?’ She asked.
Eldridge sounded hesitant, his earlier assurance gone. He seemed lost for words leaving Grey to break the silence. 'I understand you've charged my client with actual bodily harm rather than the lesser common assault, which in my opinion is more appropriate.'
'I have,' Eldridge said. 'You're client showed intent to wound. He's lucky not to have been charged with attempted murder.'
Grey kept her tone amiable. 'I understand Mr Blake's injuries were not life threatening.'
Eldridge stood up. 'Without the immediate intervention by
myself and others, there's no doubt Mr Blake would have suffered serious injuries and Mr Howell would be looking at a much longer prison sentence.'
'I'm not going to fucking prison over this,' Howell shouted. 'That bastard hates me.'
Grey turned to her client. 'Please be quiet. I understand there was an ongoing feud between them for quite some time, which unfortunately came to a head. The lesser charge is fairer as the court can deal with my client quickly and efficiently.'
Patterson knew this was his cue. 'This interview isn’t only concerned with Mr Blake. We want to ask your client about his relationship with Jeremiah Moore, the murder victim from Roxbury Farm.’
Grey seemed shocked. 'Why wasn't I informed?’
Howell leaned closer to Grey. 'I've already told them I had nothing to do with Moore but they won't listen.'
'Had anyone witnessed Mr Howell threatening Mr Moore, or made a statement to that effect?' Grey asked.
Eldridge produced a folder and handed it to her. 'This geographical location between the two sites has caused problems over the years. There are reports of plenty of animosity and on occasions, serious breaches of the peace.'
'Come on,' Howell said. 'Those travellers like to party and they'd often invite outsiders which is why I went there. What’s wrong with a few drinks, a bit of music and meeting some nice looking girls? I don’t get out much, no vehicle, not a lot of money and no regular buses to Tewksbury. I was hoping when Carstairs retired I’d get his job. Then I'd have my own place, a decent wage and maybe a car. Thanks to you lot I'll be lucky to stay out of the nick. I lived at home until mum got married again and that's when I rented the mobile home. It's cheap, okay, I got behind with the rent, loads of people do. I didn't have much contact with Moore, just to say hello. He was loads older than me so we certainly wouldn't have ended up friends.'
Patterson watched Eldridge's painfully slow handwriting. He asked his second question. 'You mentioned plenty of attractive girls at the farm. Do you know Anyas Lacroix, Moore's girlfriend?'
'Nice looking bird but way too old for me. I spoke to her a couple of times, that's all.'
'Where were you the when Moore was stabbed?'
'I’ve already told you, I was at the bloody cottage. Mr Cartairs’s orders were to stay put. His words, on no account leave the place unattended. With the weather nice, the narrow boaters were starting to use the waterways. Carstairs told me to read up on stuff I wasn't sure of before things got busy. He promised if I did well, he’d give me more work.'
Eldridge seemed happy to let Patterson continue 'Was there much traffic on the canal that day, anyone who can confirm your presence?'
Howell looked worried. ‘Not that I can remember.’
'No one called by to see you?' Eldridge asked.
'Like I said, I stayed in. Where else would I go?'
'It doesn't take long to walk over to Roxbury Farm,' Patterson said.
Howell was becoming agitated, his voice panicky. 'Has somebody said they saw me? If they did they're lying because I wasn't there.'
Eldridge pushed on. 'You're fit. You could have run. You know all the hidey holes.'
Imogene Grey stood up. 'We're leaving. You're both out of order. Mr Howell is here on a minor assault charge, not as a murder suspect.'
Howell got to his feet. You've searched the house, taken stuff away. God knows how many of you searched the fields. Has anybody come up with anything yet? If I'd stabbed Moore I would have thought you’d have something on me by now.'
Patterson wondered how well Eldridge would react. He paused for effect then hit Howell and Grey with the evidence. 'That's where you're wrong,’ Eldridge stated. ‘The second search was more successful. We certainly did find something this time. We’re waiting for confirmation we have the murder weapon.’
CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE
'If I was sensible I’d say it's still not enough,' Reynolds said and placed the folder on his desk. Daly knew better than to dismiss his opinion because he knew he was right. Coming to see him was more testing the waters than expecting an immediate decision.
'We can't build a case on what you have here. We need solid evidence, it there’s any left. Five people disappear and no one has any idea what happened. I’d say statistically that’s impossible. The other issue that concerns me is I disapprove of you going it alone. At your age and rank, you shouldn’t be in the field. However as you're determined, there’s not much I can do. A word of warning, keep this under wraps. I don’t need to mention any names; you know who I’m talking about. As of now, put the team to work identifying the individuals in the photos. You know what the CPS is like, as things stand they’ll throw this back at us. Cold cases can deplete our workforce, as this week’s newspapers are at pains to point out. There are three high profile ones in the news, none of them fast moving, all needing huge recourses. The public are already outraged about one of them, especially on twitter and other social network sites. We don’t need the media adding us to the list. In one respect, and I have to give praise where it’s due, you have moved quickly.’
Daly felt optimistic. Reynolds was smart and a stickler for procedure. He’d also picked the right time to present his findings. By a stroke of luck, the Chief Constable had delayed his return from holiday and wouldn’t be back in the UK for another week.
‘I assure you I keep tabs on everything, even when I’m out,’ Daly said. ‘We have someone in custody facing an assault charge. A character called Owen Howell. By all accounts, he’s a violent sod, connected to Carstairs, the lock keeper. Eldridge discovered a knife in Carstairs’s garden. Howell had stayed there while he was allegedly away.’
‘Isn’t the lock keeper’s alibi shaky?’
‘We haven’t examined all of the CCTV footage yet.’
‘Back to the Walkers,’ Reynolds said. ‘Killing five people and hiding their bodies is no easy task.’
Daly had seen firsthand the effect drugs had on an already psychotic individual. ‘Depends on what shit you’ve taken beforehand. The Vikings ate boatloads of magic mushrooms, worked themselves up into frenzy and according to legend, ended up with super human strength.’
Reynolds pointed out an important flaw in Daly’s theory. ‘Anyone that drugged up wouldn’t have cared who saw them.’
‘Sorry Sir, there are always exceptions to the rule. We think we know everything there is about psychopaths, but we’re kidding ourselves.’
Reynolds leaned forward and lowered his voice. ‘How many of the old investigation team have you contacted?’
The ACC’s office was uncomfortably warm. Daly fished out one of his oversize hankies from his pocket and mopped his brow. ‘Four.’
‘Do they all agree the Walker case was flawed from lack of commitment?’
‘Now they do, at the time they were more worried about the effects of the miner’s strike and who was next on the list for secondment. Park Road was short staffed; everybody was working too many hours. From what I’ve learned, the atmosphere there was, as they say now, toxic.’
‘And you’re standing by this opinion that certain political events had a negative effect on the Walker investigation?’
Daly could see where he was coming from. Why politics should interfere in a murder investigation was beyond him too. ‘The original team overlooked a lot Sir. The ground search at the farm wasn’t anywhere near thorough enough. Worse still, they didn’t deploy sufficient sniffer dogs. Those they did worked too hard. The poor animals didn’t get enough rest and ended up confused as hell.’
‘No properly trained cadaver or human remains dogs in those days. Ground penetrating radar was in its infancy. So to be fair to the team, the weather was hot and digging hard baked ground wouldn’t be easy,’ Reynolds added.
Daly nodded in agreement, hoping Reynolds would sanction his next request. ‘I want another dig and I'm not doing it to prove my forbears were lazy bastards. I have a damned good feeling we’ll uncover something as long as the dogs go in first.’
‘Yo
u’ll need the best, and that costs money Ted.’
‘The expense is balanced by a reduction in man hours; we won’t need to dig blind and the difference this time is the ground’s still soft from the floods,’ Daly said, mopping his head again.
Reynolds checked his watch. ‘I see by the progress report Lillian and Calvin Fowler aren’t cooperating with the investigation. Why haven’t you insisted on follow up interviews?’
Daly hadn’t time to concoct a plausible excuse. He hoped by telling the truth Reynolds would sanction everything he’d requested. ‘According to Jewell, Mrs Fowler is suffering from some undefined psychological illness. She’s also claiming police intervention delayed the eviction proceedings costing her thousands of pounds. Calvin Fowler’s a top London lawyer and has already hired other top lawyers to represent him and to stop us from hauling them in here, which leads me to my next problem. The bailiffs are rescheduling the eviction. Whoever has bought the land intends to fence it off to stop the travellers coming back. There’s not much time to get this phase organised.’
‘Do we know who the buyer is?’
Daly had wondered when Reynolds would ask. ‘Unfortunately we don’t. My guess is it’s a cash sale, and the buyer wishes to remain anonymous.’
Reynolds turned to his computer screen. Daly’s mind went back to his time with Anita Fleming and wondered if that whole episode had gone to his head. If Reynolds said no to his demands he was out of ideas. Was he thinking clearly and analysing properly?
Reynolds swung his chair round and rolled it towards a white enamelled filing cabinet. ‘Let me check on something.’ He removed a key from his pocket, bent down and opened the bottom drawer. Daly realised they’d already hit a big problem. If the Fowlers were quick to lawyer up, they would automatically attempt to block further searches on the land. He visualised the potential legal wrangles leading to endless delays. He’d known from the beginning time wasn’t on his side. The land went up for sale long before the devastating floods ruined any chance of a buyer. From the information he’d just received, rather than take it off the market, they’d substantially reduced the asking price and had already completed a sale. He’d used every avenue to find out who’d bought it with no success. He glanced over at Reynolds who was engrossed in a manual.