The Burning Men

by Will Shindler

  ‘You still haven’t properly told me why you’re here?’

  ‘We’re looking into Gemini Leisure.’

  Pender reacted immediately.

  ‘Good. That pair of fucking chancers deserve to burn in hell for what they did.’ Finn and Paulsen exchanged a look.

  ‘Just tell us what happened, if that’s okay,’ said Paulsen.

  ‘Vinny – my brother – he’s got two little ones. He’d invited half the street round for a barbecue, so we knew there’d be a lot of kids running around. We all thought a bouncy castle in the garden would be a good idea. Debs loved kids. We wanted lots.’ He smiled tightly. ‘Anyway, she was jumping on it with some of them. But you could tell it hadn’t been properly inflated. I mean, I didn’t like it from the moment I saw it.’

  ‘Were they there, Elder and Kaul?’ asked Finn.

  ‘No, they’d installed it the day before.’ He took a deep breath and resumed. ‘So Debs is trying to get off it, and she’s doing that stupid walk you do on those things, you know, like you’re on the moon or something. She gets to the end and I see her foot slide as she tries to jump off, and she falls forwards on to the grass. We all laughed. I mean, it looked funny – but then she doesn’t move and the kids think she’s playing, so they’re all jumping around. But she’s not moving . . .’

  ‘How quickly did you learn the severity of it?’ asked Finn.

  ‘Almost straight away, once they’d done their X-rays and stuff. Her spinal cord . . .’ He shook his head, and suddenly brought a closed fist down hard on his own knee in frustration.

  ‘I’m sorry to make you revisit this—’ said Finn.

  ‘Everyone thinks there’s always going to be some great story of redemption. That she’ll start doing these inspirational things – become a Paralympian or something. But that’s not how it was. She was talking about suicide from day one. She just didn’t want to go on.’

  ‘Why did you take legal action against Gemini Leisure?’ asked Paulsen.

  ‘Do you know what the safety regs are on bouncy castles? They’re supposed to be tested on an annual basis, they’re supposed to come with a unique number that proves they’ve been tested. That number’s meant to go on a database. It’s got to conform to British standards of safety.’

  ‘And did it?’

  ‘Officially, yeah, but that’s because those two conmen managed to get themselves on the list of approved inspectors. In effect they approved themselves. It’s an absolute joke.’

  ‘Do you hold Elder and Kaul responsible for what happened to Debbie?’

  ‘What do you think? That bastard Elder tried to buy me off. Can you believe that? He actually offered me money. Can you fucking believe it?’

  Finn and Paulsen glanced at each other.

  ‘How much?’ asked Paulsen.

  ‘We didn’t get that far, because I told him what he could go and do.’

  ‘Was he serious?’

  ‘Oh, yeah. Muttered something about a five-figure sum if I backed off. It’s a good job he said it over the phone. If he’d said it to me in person . . .’

  His anger was rising again. Paulsen wondered if it would ever really leave him; wondered just how far it might take him or had taken him.

  ‘I know this is difficult—’ began Finn.

  ‘Difficult? Do you know what it’s like to lose someone you love before you’ve even got started? To watch her slipping out of reach? Have you any idea, mate?’

  Paulsen glanced at Finn and could see he was controlling himself. He glanced at her and briefly caught her eye, catching her concern. There was a flicker of awkwardness on his face, and he turned back to Pender.

  ‘It must be hard.’

  ‘You’ve no idea.’

  ‘I’m sorry to ask you this, Kevin, but where were you the night before last?’

  ‘What’s that got to do with anything?’

  ‘Just answer the question, please?’

  ‘Am I being accused of something?’

  ‘Can you just clarify where you were?’

  ‘Here. My wife took an overdose four months ago, what do you think I’m out doing – partying?’

  ‘Were you on your own?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘So there’s no one who can corroborate that?’

  ‘No. Are you going to tell me what this is about?’

  ‘Where were you on Saturday afternoon?’

  ‘Same. I was here on my own.’

  Finn looked at Paulsen, and then spoke.

  ‘Adesh Kaul and Gary Elder are dead. They were both murdered.’

  Pender shrank back into his seat. You could read it as either guilt or shock, thought Paulsen, but it was impossible to tell.

  ‘And you think I did it?’

  ‘You have a motive and no alibi for either day. What would you think if you were us?’ said Finn.

  ‘Mate . . . I haven’t got the energy to make a cup of tea right now, let alone murder someone. Is this some sort of piss-take? Can’t you see I’ve been through enough?’

  ‘Kevin, please, is there anything you can tell us about those two dates? Something which can help us eliminate you from our inquiries?’ said Paulsen. For a moment he was unfathomable, and then he laughed.

  ‘I’ll give you something – I’m glad they’re dead. I hope they died in fucking agony and I hope anyone they ever loved feels exactly the way I do.’

  It was enough for Finn.

  ‘Kevin Pender, you are under arrest on suspicion of murder. You do not have to say anything, but it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence.’

  Paulsen half expected him to explode, but instead he shook his head as if almost amused by what was happening. He sagged back into his chair, the fight ebbing out of him. As Finn handcuffed him, Paulsen tried to make sense of it. He’d all but invited arrest. But could the small wiry man in front of her really have overcome Adesh Kaul? Overpowered Gary Elder and torched him alive in his own car? This felt like it was just raising more questions than answering anything. Looking at Finn, she could see in his eyes that that was precisely what he was thinking too.

  Chapter 28

  Godden logged out of his computer and grabbed his jacket, preparing for his appointment with Spinney. Across the corridor he saw Jim Farmer, head down in some paperwork. He crept over and gave the young DC a sharp tap to the ribs. To his satisfaction, Farmer jumped halfway out of his seat.

  ‘Jesus, Mike! You scared the shit out of me.’

  ‘Yeah, well. Now you know what it feels like.’

  Farmer’s face opened out into a broad smile.

  ‘The gaffer wants us to go through all this,’ said Farmer, motioning at the small tower of paperwork on his desk. ‘It’s everything we’ve got on Whitlock – I thought I’d make a start. I’ve got hard copies if you need them. I know how much you hate reading off a screen.’

  ‘Good lad. Very enterprising. You get stuck in – I’ve just got to nip out for a few hours.’

  ‘Hours? How long are you going to be?’

  ‘How long’s a piece of string? Chasing up a lead, aren’t I.’

  ‘What lead?’

  ‘You may well ask, old son,’ he said, being deliberately cryptic, giving the younger man a wink. ‘If the boss asks, tell him I’m in the bog.’

  ‘What, for several hours?’

  ‘Like he’ll notice.’

  Godden grinned, and Farmer laughed. He seized his moment, and made for the door. Farmer watched him go, but the smile didn’t last for long as his face clouded with uncertainty.

  It was Skegman who made him do it. Finn hated press conferences but the media interest in the investigation was now at a point where it needed addressing. Two former firefighters burnt to death within days was always going to make headlines. It wouldn’t take long for some bright spark to start digging and find the link to Pacific Square. The latest development was now front page n
ews. The Standard splashed with:

  ‘Firefighter deaths: police arrest man’.

  Finn was aware the press office was keeping reporters informed, as they did with every major investigation. Their job – in the finest traditions of policing – was to provide the facts, and nothing but the facts. Media releases were written in simple, clear terms without embellishment. But factually accurate as they were, they were often an art form in how to suck the drama out of something. The gruesome way Gary Elder died, reduced to ‘Officers are investigating the sudden death of a man in his thirties’.

  Journalists knew this and would always pressure the media team for more flesh to put on the bones of a story. Often though, for operational reasons, it was important to hold some information back. There were plenty of times you didn’t want to jeopardise a live investigation by giving away details of a suspect or a location. More importantly, you didn’t want to put someone’s life at risk. An off-the-record chat explaining the situation to a trusted journalist was usually enough. It was the small minority who chose to break those unwritten rules that Finn had a problem with.

  Now that there was someone in custody, Skegman judged it the right time to feed the pack. They hadn’t found any hard evidence at the two crime scenes to link Kevin Pender with either murder. An appeal for witnesses and information at this point made sense. If someone came forward who’d seen him at the Manor Park Hotel or in the vicinity of Troy’s nightclub, then everyone’s jobs would become that much easier. There was an art to these things though. Finn knew what was needed to bring the story alive – the difference between a few shots on the evening news or a full report given more time and greater prominence.

  He’d made the call to Stephanie Kaul as soon as he’d informed the press office they were calling a news conference. She’d been released from hospital and was now recovering at home. He knew her shocking appearance – together with the emotion she’d undoubtedly bring – would provide good pictures and audio. He was honest and up front about it when they spoke. If the coverage was memorable, it might just help provide the critical piece of information they needed. She’d agreed without hesitation.

  Stephanie arrived in a taxi around an hour before the press pack was due to get there. Finn’s first impression was that she was looking slightly better than when he’d last seen her. She still moved painfully slowly and the dressings remained in place over her burns, but there seemed to be a bit more colour to her complexion. He quickly realised it was an overly optimistic estimation. The deadness in her expression was still there, the shock still audible in the reediness of her voice.

  Crime scene photographs of her husband’s burnt corpse adorned the incident room walls, so he took her over to YoYo’s instead where they could talk privately.

  ‘Thanks for coming in, Stephanie. You didn’t have to do this, and I appreciate it.’

  ‘Have you got him then? The man who killed Adesh?’ He noticed it was the only time she seemed to come alive – when the subject of her husband’s killer came up.

  ‘I don’t honestly know and that’s the truth. We’ll know more when we’ve interviewed him.’

  ‘And you really think it’s connected to the bouncy castle business?’

  ‘That’s what we’re looking into. Does the name Kevin Pender mean anything to you?’

  She frowned.

  ‘Vaguely . . . he made a complaint or something. Can’t remember the details. Adesh said it wasn’t very important.’

  Nice, thought Finn.

  ‘Do you remember much about that period?’

  As she considered it, a couple of uniformed PCs in the corner laughed raucously, and she winced. Finn recognised that – the way grief seemed to magnify the senses. The way everything hurt.

  ‘Not really. Adesh always kept everything to do with his work to himself. He loved coming home and telling us all the stories when he was in the fire brigade. It changed after he left.’

  ‘Any reason why?’ Finn asked carefully.

  ‘No. Different kind of work though, wasn’t it? When you’re risking your life every day, it’s more exciting, I suppose.’

  ‘Did you ever meet Gary Elder?’

  ‘Yes, but I wasn’t wild about him. I didn’t dislike him . . . he just wasn’t really my cup of tea. He didn’t deserve what happened to him any more than Adesh, though.’ She faltered. ‘Please . . . can you tell me why? I need to know why my husband died.’

  ‘The man we’ve arrested – it’s only on suspicion of murder. We haven’t charged him. He might be completely innocent. That’s partly why you’re here – we need hard evidence. I’m hoping this appeal might be able to help with that. But you don’t have to do this if you don’t feel up to it.’

  ‘I’m doing it.’ Her voice was barely audible but her face said it all.

  A short while later Finn led her through to a large room in the basement of Cedar House. There was a long table at the front adorned with microphones and recording devices. Behind it was a backdrop emblazoned with the large blue branding of the Metropolitan Police. Finn poured Stephanie a glass of water from a jug, then sat down next to her. Around thirty journalists were there, with several television cameramen positioned at the back and sides of the room.

  Finn opened proceedings by talking through what everyone already knew. A thirty-eight-year-old man had been arrested earlier that day in connection with both murders. He was now in custody and would be questioned shortly. Finn explained that there was still a lot of work to do and there remained a lot of gaps in their knowledge. He made the standard appeal for information and witnesses, then introduced Stephanie. She began strongly; her voice surprisingly clear and confident, shorn of that earlier weakness. She described her husband, what kind of man he’d been – a loving son, brother and partner. Someone who’d helped others, someone who’d made a difference. Finn’s face was impassive as she spoke, but as he listened he thought about Erik Whitlock, and the different scenarios that might have unfolded inside that burning building. Would they ever really know what role Adesh Kaul played that night?

  It was only when Stephanie started talking about her husband’s hopes of becoming a father that she lost it, her head dropping into her bandaged hands to disguise the tears that were starting to fall. Finn was well used to what happened next – anything with a lens zoomed in and focused. There was a deferential silence; not out of sensitivity, but from a desire to capture every last tortured sob on their recording devices. Worse still, he knew it wouldn’t hurt, aware it would become the defining image – the tears of the widow. He briefly let them get what they’d come for, then took the focus off Stephanie by opening up the floor to the usual questions.

  ‘Are you looking for anyone else in connection with this?’

  ‘We’re keeping an open mind on that.’

  ‘Is the threat still ongoing?’

  ‘At this stage, I can’t rule that out.’

  ‘Given both victims’ history, is there a connection with the Pacific Square blaze?’

  ‘We’re investigating all possibilities – but you’ll understand why I can’t answer that question at this point.’

  Then, just as Finn was ready to wrap things up, it came. The BBC London reporter asked it.

  ‘Is this connected to Erik Whitlock’s death in the Pacific Square fire?’

  ‘Again, you’ll understand if I can’t go into detail.’

  ‘So you’re not ruling it out?’

  ‘I repeat, we’re keeping an open mind about the motive and investigating all possibilities.’

  Finn could see realisation dawning on the faces in front of him. One of the tabloid reporters followed up quickly.

  ‘Whitlock was the Handyman’s money launderer – is that a line of inquiry?’

  ‘Is what? The Handyman? Come on, guys – how many times do I have to say it? Until we know what happened to these men and why they died, we’re keeping an open mind.’

  The questions continued to come, and Finn continued to b
at them away. It was irritating but ultimately he understood the link to the Handyman was always going to be made. At least this way he’d been able to address it head-on. It might just keep the headlines the right side of lurid. It would be interesting to see what Walker, Maddox and Portbury made of them.

  ‘I’m sorry if that was difficult,’ Finn said to Stephanie as he escorted her to a waiting taxi afterwards.

  ‘Don’t be. I’m sorry about the waterworks. Actually I’m not – I don’t mind the world knowing how I felt about Adesh.’

  Finn thought of Kevin Pender and the hatred he’d spewed towards both Kaul and Elder. One way or another, by the time this was over Stephanie was going to learn things about her husband which she wouldn’t like. He smiled gently at her.

  ‘I’ll let you know if there’s any developments. Thank you for today – I hope it does some good.’

  That much he was sure about.

  Chapter 29

  Martin Walker

  I’ve just had a call from the cops. They’ve

  made an arrest. 16:02

  Phil Maddox

  Yeah – just saw it on the news. Who is it? 16:04

  Martin Walker

  It’s something to do with that bouncy castle

  business Gary and Adesh set up. Some bloke

  with a grievance apparently. 16:05

  Stuart Portbury

  Good. Let’s hope that puts it to bed. 16:06

  Phil Maddox

  But they’re also linking it to the Handyman . . . 16:06

  Martin Walker

  No they’re not. It’s just the media doing that. 16:09

  Phil Maddox

  I don’t like it. Don’t think we should

  assume anything. 16:10

  Martin Walker

  Let the police investigation run its course. I’m sure they’ve got a good reason for nicking this guy. 16:11

  Stuart Portbury

  Either way, maybe we should give this group a rest

  for a bit? Don’t want to arouse any suspicion! 16:13

  Martin Walker

  Agreed. 16:15

  Phil Maddox

  Well I don’t. That’s nuts. Until they charge this