by J. P. Carter
When he was gone, Anna put on her coat, turned off her office light and headed for the car park. On the way she called Chloe to let her know that she would soon be picking her up from the hospital.
CHAPTER SIXTY-ONE
Anna drove the whole four miles from Wandsworth to Camberwell with her heart thumping in her chest.
Along the way she passed through areas that were eerily quiet, with few people and little traffic. But in others she bore witness to more shocking acts of vandalism and looting.
Whilst stuck in traffic outside one clothes store, she watched, open-mouthed, as a group in hoodies bundled inside. Most headed straight for the shelves while others pulled out cash registers and searched storage rooms.
The worst of the trouble was in Brixton. Two shops were ablaze in Coldharbour Lane and the fire brigade were not in attendance. Among the people gathered on the pavement were two uniformed police officers who were yelling into their radios.
Everywhere Anna looked there were groups of excitable yobs charging around in hoods and balaclavas, tipping over rubbish bins, screaming abuse, smashing windows. Fortunately, it being a Sunday evening, there weren’t that many vehicles on the roads for them to hurl missiles at.
Anna had her closest shave with the rioters when she arrived in the centre of Brixton. Cops in full riot gear had formed a protective barrier in front of Lambeth Town Hall, which was under attack from an angry mob.
The officers were being bombarded with rocks, sticks and bottles, and they were struggling to hold their line. Nearby a currency exchange was being ransacked and across the road from it a police car was on fire outside the iconic Ritzy cinema.
It was all such a distraction for Anna that she came within a whisker of running down two hooded youths who stepped into the road in front of her.
She managed to slam on the brakes and bring the car to a screeching halt just a couple of feet away from them.
The taller of the pair stuck two fingers up at her even though she mouthed the word ‘sorry’ at him. The other one screamed ‘fucking stupid bitch’ and gobbed onto the bonnet. Then they both rushed towards the front doors, giving the distinct impression that they were intent on pulling her from the car.
Anna reacted instinctively by flicking on the locks, and as the pair reached for the door handles, she stamped on the accelerator and the car shot forward.
She heard one of them cry out and then saw the tall one in her rear-view mirror hopping about on one leg, his face creased up in pain.
She had obviously run over his foot, and at any other time she would have been mortified. But now she responded with a grin and a chuckle.
‘Serves you fucking right,’ she said aloud to herself as she steered the car on a course for King’s College Hospital.
*
Tom gave her a big, beaming smile when she approached his bed.
She felt a tidal wave of relief because he looked so much better. The familiar glint had returned to his eyes, and the cuts and swellings on his face from the beating he took appeared less pronounced.
Chloe jumped up from the chair next to the bed and walked into her mother’s arms.
‘I’ve missed you, Mum,’ she said.
Anna spotted straight away that her daughter looked worn out. Her features were white, brittle, her movements sluggish.
‘And I’ve missed you too,’ she said.
Anna let go of Chloe and gave Tom a kiss.
‘And it goes without saying that I couldn’t wait to see you again, Mr Bannerman,’ she said. ‘How are you?’
‘I’m much better than I would be if this young lady hadn’t been here to keep me company,’ he said, looking at Chloe. ‘She’s made me laugh, she’s been my gofer, and she’s kept the boredom at bay.’
Anna grinned. ‘I’m so glad.’ Turning to Chloe, she added, ‘Does that mean you’d like to come back tomorrow?’
Chloe hesitated and Tom responded for her. ‘Actually, we’ve had a chat about that, Anna. We’ve really enjoyed each other’s company but I don’t think it’s fair to expect her to hang around for another whole day. Most of the time I’m asleep, when I’m not I’m being poked and prodded by doctors and nurses. She’d be better off at home with all her stuff and where she’s not surrounded by scores of unwell people.’
‘Would that be all right, Mum?’ Chloe asked.
Anna grimaced. ‘Not really, my love. I’ve got to work so I won’t be able to stay with you. And I don’t want to leave you by yourself.’
‘But I’ll be fine,’ Chloe said. ‘I’m not a baby any more. So please let me.’
Anna gave it some thought and eventually gave a reluctant nod. ‘Well I suppose it will be all right if you promise not to open the door to anyone or go outside. And I could get Peggy from next door to keep tabs on you.’
‘That’s settled then,’ Tom said and gave Chloe a wink.
Tom then enquired about the Jacob Rossi case, and he and Chloe reacted with delight when Anna told them that they had identified the man responsible for abducting the boy. But this turned rapidly to disappointment when they learned that Roy Slater was dead.
‘Well at least he won’t be doing harm to any other kids,’ Tom said.
Anna didn’t stay long because she knew that the later it got the more dangerous it would be driving home. Tom understood and told her to be careful.
‘Call the hospital to let me know that you got home safely,’ he said.
Anna promised that she would and told him she’d come to see him tomorrow.
‘Take care, my love,’ she said. ‘And if there’s anything you need, then just let me know.’
Anna held on to Chloe’s hand as she exited the hospital and walked to the car. She was dreading the two-mile journey to Vauxhall, and the thought that they might run into trouble was causing the blood to thunder through her veins.
Once behind the wheel she told Chloe to buckle up and cross her fingers. Then she started the engine, locked the doors and turned on the radio.
CHAPTER SIXTY-TWO
Presenter: ‘This is the BBC news at ten o’clock … Rioting is continuing tonight in several cities across England. The most serious disorder is once again in London where police are advising people not to leave their homes unless it’s absolutely necessary.
‘Violent clashes are taking place between riot police and mobs in Brixton, London Bridge, Tottenham and Peckham, and we’re receiving reports of a major confrontation on the Embankment as hundreds of rioters try to reach the Scotland Yard building overlooking the Thames.
‘It’s now known that at least eleven people have died in the riots, and many more have been injured. The number of arrests is approaching five hundred, and it’s estimated that over a hundred buildings have been destroyed by fire.
‘The Prime Minister has just issued a statement to reporters in Downing Street, which began with a commitment to restore order and reclaim the streets from the rioters.’
Prime Minster: ‘These are indeed dark times for this country and I can assure you that we are doing everything we can to bring the riots to an end. Thousands of police officers are being deployed along with hundreds of army personnel, and I would like to pay tribute to their bravery. I would also like to send my condolences to the families of those police officers and members of the public who have been senselessly killed.
‘Nothing can excuse or justify what is happening, and those behind the violence and destruction of property will be dealt with harshly by the courts.
‘At the same time this government will seek to remedy the serious social problems that have led to the disorder to ensure that it doesn’t happen again. These problems include the gang culture that exists in our towns and cities, the fact that many young people feel alienated and disaffected, poor job prospects for those living in deprived areas, and a growing mistrust of politicians and the police by large numbers of people.’
Presenter: ‘Meanwhile, only half of those people who’ve lost their lives in the rio
ts have so far been named. Among them is Jacob Rossi, the ten-year-old boy who died while chained to a wall in the cellar of a derelict pub in Camberwell that was set on fire. Police are still searching for the person or persons who abducted Jacob last Monday while he was on his way home from school and then held him captive for four nights. They’re also appealing for information on the rioter who threw the petrol bomb into the pub that started the blaze.
‘Jacob’s father is the television presenter Mark Rossi, who lives in Bromley with his wife, Clare. In the last hour he spoke publicly for the first time since learning of his son’s death.’
Mark Rossi: ‘It’s impossible for me to put into words how we feel about what has happened. All I can say is that his mother and I are devastated. Jacob was a wonderful, loving son and he meant everything to us. We still can’t believe that we will never see him again. Whoever imprisoned our boy in that cellar doesn’t deserve to live. It was beyond cruel and we just can’t bear to think how he must have suffered during all those days and nights when he was alone in the dark with his wrists chained to the wall. The person who caused the fire in that building must also bear responsibility for Jacob’s death. I appeal to anyone who has information to pass it on to the police.’
Presenter: ‘That was Mark Rossi, whose son Jacob died tragically on Friday. Now before we go I have to bring you some late breaking news. The Scotland Yard press office has just announced that the Metropolitan Police firearms officer who accidentally shot and killed a pregnant woman during a raid last Tuesday has been murdered.
‘It was the death of twenty-seven-year-old Grace Fuller that sparked the riots. She was the wife of alleged drug dealer Warren Fuller, and was in the bedroom of their home in Balham, South London, when police burst in. The fatal shot was fired by officer Barry Noble, who has been on suspension while an internal investigation was carried out.
‘Mr Noble, who was thirty-five and married with two children, was repeatedly stabbed by an unknown assailant when he answered the door to his home in Fulham earlier this evening. He was rushed to hospital after his wife rang for an ambulance, but there was a delay in it getting there and he died on the way.
‘Scotland Yard did not release the identity of the officer who shot Mrs Fuller, but it’s understood that Mr Noble’s name was leaked and published on social media several hours before the attack. We’ll bring you further details when we get them.’
CHAPTER SIXTY-THREE
The journey home thankfully passed without incident, but it was slow and unpleasant nonetheless.
Chloe seemed so nervous that she didn’t speak, which allowed Anna to listen to the news bulletin uninterrupted. And what she heard shocked her. Eleven people dead. Five hundred arrests. A hundred buildings destroyed. Plus, the brutal murder of firearms officer Barry Noble.
Mark Rossi’s heartfelt words added to the sense of despair that was growing inside her. Vivid images of the man’s son chained to the wall in the cellar crashed back into her mind. She could picture Roy Slater standing over him, grinning maliciously as he took the photo that he sent to the family home.
Anna’s shoulders were high with tension as she stepped through her front door behind Chloe. It was good to be home, but the house felt cold and weirdly claustrophobic.
‘You go upstairs and put on your PJs,’ she said to her daughter. ‘I’ll make us both a mug of hot chocolate, which should help us relax before we call it a night.’
Anna turned up the heating and put on the kettle. She was tempted to switch on the television to check on the latest situation with the riots, but decided to wait until Chloe was in bed. She knew that she was going to find it hard to get to sleep herself. She felt too uptight, and a dark unease had pushed its way into her mind.
The hot chocolates were poured and on the table by the time Chloe came down in her pyjamas and dressing gown.
‘Do you want anything to eat?’ Anna asked her.
Chloe shook her head. ‘I’m not hungry. I ate lots of stuff at the hospital.’
‘Then drink this and try to get a good night’s sleep.’
Her daughter’s face was gaunt and colourless, her eyes sagging with exhaustion. But was it any wonder? In just a single month the poor girl had experienced more pain and trauma than many people experience in an entire lifetime.
‘Thank you again for staying at the hospital today,’ Anna said. ‘It was very grown up of you and it clearly meant a lot to Tom.’
Chloe shrugged. ‘I didn’t mind. Really. Will he be all right on his own tomorrow?’
‘Of course. The doctors and nurses will look after him and I’ll pop in to see him. Are you sure you want to be here by yourself?’
Chloe nodded. ‘I’ll stay in my bedroom for most of the time. I won’t get bored and I promise not to leave the house.’
‘Well before I go, I’ll ask Peggy and Ron next door to keep an eye on you. There’s no sign of trouble in this area now and hopefully the louts won’t be coming back.’
Anna curled her hands around the warm mug and sipped at the chocolate.
After a beat, she said, ‘Do you want to talk some more about when you got upset today?’
Chloe licked her lips and heaved a sigh. ‘Not really. I just felt so sad when I saw that picture of Ryan. I can’t stop thinking that he died because he helped me. If I talk about it now I’ll cry.’
Anna put a hand on her shoulder. ‘Don’t worry then. I understand perfectly.’
Chloe drank all of her chocolate and said she was ready for bed. Anna stood nearby while she cleaned her teeth. Minutes later she tucked her beneath the duvet and kissed her goodnight.
‘I’ll have to leave early in the morning,’ she said. ‘I’ve got a lot to do.’
‘Are you going to tell that boy’s mum and dad that you’ve found out who put him in the cellar?’ Chloe asked.
‘I am indeed, sweetheart. And I’m really not looking forward to it.’
*
Back downstairs, Anna went straight into the living room. She switched on the television, opened a window, and lit a cigarette.
She only smoked indoors at times when she felt really stressed out. And this was one of those times. Her mind resolutely refused to switch off and kept grinding away at all the things that had happened over the past twenty-four hours. She had never known a time during her seventeen years on the job when so many wheels were frantically turning in her head at once. And it was striking how everything was linked in some way to the riots.
Jacob Rossi was killed because someone threw a petrol bomb into the pub where he was imprisoned.
Tom was in hospital because rampaging thugs had attacked him.
Chloe had spent hours on the riot-torn streets trying to stay alive.
Roy Slater was stabbed to death by one of the many gangs who were brazenly committing criminal acts.
And still the violence and disorder continued to rip London apart.
A pulse thundered in Anna’s temple as she once again watched the coverage on the news. The Embankment had been turned into a battleground as police and rioters clashed close to Scotland Yard. Riot shields were being hammered by missiles, and in several shots officers could be seen lying injured on the ground.
There was trouble elsewhere too. Two buses were on fire at London Bridge while a mob was causing mayhem down in the tube station there. Meanwhile there was now widespread looting of the posh shops along Bond Street in the West End and Brompton Road in Knightsbridge.
Anna sat glued to the coverage for over twenty minutes. In order to steer her thoughts away from the riots she had to switch the TV off. She wanted to focus on her own investigation, which to all intents and purposes had been solved.
Or had it?
She couldn’t put her finger on why she was nervous about closing the case down just yet. It wasn’t solely because she didn’t like to be rushed into it. It was more than that. She was troubled by a niggling doubt that it might not be as clear-cut as it appeared to be.
&nb
sp; Roy Slater may well have gone to Bromley last Monday to abduct Jacob Rossi. But not having the answers to all the obvious questions that followed on from that made Anna nervous.
Did Slater have an accomplice?
Why did he bother to keep hold of Jacob’s phone and wallet, but not his rucksack?
Why did he choose that particular pub in Camberwell to hide the boy?
And if he was planning to ask the father for money, why didn’t he mention that in the note he sent?
This last question was the one she was really puzzling over. She didn’t understand why Slater, having taken the boy, did not demand a ransom. After all, money must surely have been as important to him as revenge.
It felt to Anna as though her job was only half done. But because of the riots the pressure was on her to call it a day and move on to something else. And she was reluctant to do so.
She went into the kitchen and poured herself a glass of wine, then sat at the table and fired up her laptop. She decided that if she wasn’t going to be able to sleep she might as well make use of the time by searching for at least some of the answers.
She began by going through the case notes, including those provided by DI Benning on the missing persons investigation following Jacob’s disappearance. She reread all the statements, the forensic reports, newspaper cuttings.
She checked back through what Mark Rossi had told her and then the interview with Gavin Pope and his wife. Was it possible, she wondered, that Pope and Slater had colluded in the boy’s abduction? After all, they both bore a grudge against Rossi because he slept with their wives. Pope claimed that he hadn’t told Slater about his own wife’s affair, but perhaps he was lying.
And then there was the fact that Pope’s wife had been based for a couple of weeks in a recruitment agency office so close to The Falconer’s Arms. Was it possible that she had earmarked the pub as a place to hide Jacob?
Anna then went online in the hope that she might come up with something of interest through Google.