Proof of Life

by Steven Suttie

  “Proof of life!” said Miller. “Finally!” The DCI clapped his hands together.

  “He said he was going to ring in about it last night, said that he felt sure it was them but said he’d feel daft if it wasn’t so he didn’t ring. But when you mentioned Llandudno in your press conference before, he definitely knew it was right.” The PC looked absolutely thrilled, as did Saunders who’d been just as desperate as Miller to hear that Darren had been sighted with Pollard. This was the first time.

  “Well done Constable! Fantastic work!”

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  The Palladium is one of Llandudno’s best-known bars. Part of the Wetherspoons chain of cheap and cheerful gastro-pubs, this particular one is extremely unusual in that it started out as a theatre.

  Built in the 1920’s, The Palladium was the number one entertainment venue in the tiny sea-side resort, presenting shows which featured the biggest stars of the day, the best known regular was Gracie Fields. But as time went on, the magic of live theatre slowly but surely gave way to the excitement of cinema, then television, followed by home video players, and eventually satellite TV.

  Struggling to make ends meet during the 1970’s, the theatre converted into a dual-purpose entertainment venue. During the daytime, The Palladium introduced a bingo-hall on the ground floor, using the space that the stalls had previously occupied, but retained the upper seating circles, which were used for cinema screenings in the evenings.

  But in 1999, the tired, worn-out looking building closed its doors to its bingo and cinema fans for the last time and was sold to JD Wetherspoon. Two years later, the beautiful Baroque style building opened its doors once again, following a major refurbishment and modernisation into a pub. Typically of Wetherspoons, they were keen to preserve as much of the building’s heritage as possible. Many visitors are amazed to see that most of the original features remain, including the seating circles up above their heads.

  It was this fascination into the building’s history which had first aroused the attention of The Palladium’s manager. Philip Pollard had been ordering food at the bar, when he’d struck up a conversation with the bar-tender.

  The young man behind the bar didn’t know too much about the building’s history, but promised to send his manager across to speak to the bloke who’d been asking all the questions.

  The manager, Lee Travis, wasn’t impressed. He had two staff off sick, a late delivery, and he didn’t know much about the building’s history anyway. But, customer service training kicked in and he did a quick Google search, before heading across to speak to the geeky bloke, who was sitting with a young lad, who he’d automatically assumed was his son.

  They talked for several minutes and Lee admitted that he wasn’t as knowledgeable about The Palladium as he ought to be.

  Since the news had broke on Wednesday tea-time, Lee had been considering that the missing teacher was the same man that had been asking questions and the pupil was the kid that he’d assumed was his son. Now that DCI Miller had made a direct plea for information in the Llandudno area, he knew 100% that his instincts had been correct.

  Miller was on the phone to Lee, quizzing him about the encounter.

  “How did he seem, was he calm, nervous?”

  “He seemed perfectly fine. Calm, relaxed, he said that he’d fallen in love with the building, said he’d never been in a pub like it before.”

  “And what about the lad?”

  “Yeah, fine, like I say, I just thought they were father and son. The young lad went off to the toilets for most of the time I was talking to the man, so I didn’t really speak to him. But he seemed fine, there was absolutely no reason to suspect them of anything. They just blended into the background.”

  “Except Pollard made a big deal of grabbing your attention?”

  “Yes, well, I mean he seemed totally genuine. He really was fascinated by the place. I showed him over to the wall that has all the old photographs and history and everything, and as I went back to the bar, the young lad was coming down the stairs from the toilet. I told him where his dad was, and he just laughed and said, ‘keep him there, he’s boring me to death.’ Or something along those lines.”

  “Right, so let me get this straight, Darren went off to the toilet, by himself, and came back, and waited for Philip Pollard to return from whatever it was he was looking at?” Miller’s mind was doing over-time. This information was sensational in terms of figuring out the mind-set of both missing people.

  “Yeah, well, shortly afterwards, their food came out. And the man returned to the table.”

  “I don’t suppose you can remember what they were drinking?”

  “Yes, the young lad had a Coke, and his… and the man had a coffee.”

  “And then what happened?”

  “I don’t know, I returned to what I was doing, and that was the end of that.”

  “And you have CCTV, is that right?”

  “Yes, absolutely, I’ve just been watching it. I was going to stick it on a memory stick and post it.”

  “No, no, forget that. I’ll get a taxi to pick it up. Put it in an envelope for me, but do me a favour, once you’ve taken it off your recorder, and onto the memory stick, just check its on there, stick it in another computer. You wouldn’t believe how many empty memory-sticks we get!”

  “Yes, of course, no problem. I just wish I’d contacted you earlier.”

  “Well, don’t worry about it. This is the best news I’ve had so far, it’s the first sighting of the two of them together, and the first indication that Darren is safe and well since Thursday morning, its dynamite information. So, I owe you a pint some time.”

  “Oh, well, I don’t drink. Working in here, you see what alcohol does to people! It puts you off.”

  “Well, I’ll call in for a brew and to shake your hand. Thank you, Lee.”

  *****

  Miller was home and in bed by the time the taxi had delivered the small envelope to police HQ in Manchester. It had been a nice job for the taxi driver, apart from the fact that it would take at least six weeks for him to get paid for the 180-mile round-trip.

  As Miller snored, blissfully unaware of the fact that his wife Clare wanted to smother him for keeping her awake, two other people were wide awake, too. Jess Pollard and Daniel Pollard.

  Jess was in the custody cells of Ashton police station, while Daniel was spending the night at Scarborough.

  It was going to be a long night for both of them. Neither had any idea why they’d been arrested, other than it being in relation to their father’s disappearance. Nor did either know that their sibling had also been taken into custody.

  Things were really starting to get going now.

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Friday

  “Good morning and welcome to BBC Radio Five Live, I’m Steve Moger. The top story this morning surrounds the continuing search for the missing school teacher Philip Pollard and his fifteen-year-old pupil Darren Jenkins. It has emerged overnight that Mr Pollard’s son and daughter have been taken into police custody, following raids at two separate addresses last night. At this stage, we have no further information about these arrests, but we are expecting a news conference later this morning.”

  The news presenter stopped to catch a breath before continuing. “Our reporter is outside Mr Pollard’s son’s home in North Yorkshire. Sally, this is an extremely shocking development this morning, can you offer any explanation about this unexpected direction the police enquiry has taken today?”

  “Good morning Steve, yes, you’re absolutely right, this development has certainly taken this local community in Filey, on the east coast, quite literally by surprise. I’m standing on a very normal looking street of semi-detached houses, not far from the sea-front here, in this tiny seaside resort between Scarborough and Bridlington.”

  “Yes, we can definitely tell that you are by the sea, the sound of those sea-gulls is coming through loud and clear Sally! I do hope its not too annoying
for our listeners.”

  “Yes, they are in fine voice this morning, Steve. I’ve been here since around five o’clock this morning, and several neighbours have been coming over to ask me what is going on.”

  “And, what is going on, as you understand it?”

  “Well, there is not a great deal of information at this stage but we do know that Daniel Pollard, the thirty-two-year old son of Philip Pollard was taken away from this address by police last night at around eight pm. Since that time, police have been at this address, and many officers have been coming and going with various items from the house sealed in evidence bags. Those items that we know of include a couple of mobile phones, a laptop and a desktop computer system.”

  “And no clues as to what the police think is Daniel’s involvement in his father’s disappearance, Sally?”

  “No, there’s no word on that and officers here are remaining very tight-lipped about everything. The only thing that I have managed to find out is that officers from Manchester are on their way over the Pennines, and they are coming to interview Daniel Pollard under caution.”

  “Thank you Sally, these are certainly very dramatic developments. Overnight, we heard that Daniel’s sister, Jessica Pollard was also taken away by police officers, from the family home in Stalybridge. This arrest happened just a couple of hours after last night’s press conference with DCI Miller, which Jess Pollard was a part of. Do you have any information about that Sally?”

  “Nothing concrete at present, but what we do know is that Jess was arrested at roughly the same time as Daniel, at approximately eight pm last night. So, this does look like a co-ordinated operation between the two police forces. At this stage though, all we can do is speculate as to why Mr Pollard’s son and daughter have been taken into police custody. We can assume that it is not simply to assist police with their enquiries, as there is a much politer way to go about that. And the fact that Daniel Pollard’s items have been taken away suggests that the police must have some very serious suspicions that Daniel Pollard either knows something about his father’s disappearance, or that there may be some suspicion that he is involved in some way.”

  “Tell us a little bit about Daniel Pollard, Sally.”

  “Well Daniel is thirty-two, he is married and has two children. His wife is a local lady, and Daniel settled here shortly after leaving college. He runs a local MOT testing station and garage, and by all accounts, he is a very well-regarded member of this small, close-knit community in Filey.”

  “And can you confirm the rumours that Daniel’s garage and business premises have also been searched by the police overnight?”

  “Yes, I can confirm that there has been a very visual presence by local police at both addresses.”

  “There is a lot of speculation this morning that Jess Pollard’s appearance in last night’s press conference in Manchester has aroused police suspicions, and subsequently prompted these arrests. Several commentators are suggesting that she appeared quite cold and not particularly concerned about her father’s welfare in the televised briefing. Have you been hearing any similar comments?”

  “Well, yes, in a word. But I’m not in a position to offer conjecture on these wild, speculative opinions myself. The fact of the matter is that the story still centres around the disappearance of a fifteen-year-old boy, allegedly at the hands of his teacher. This speculation and gossip is not helping to keep that important detail in the spotlight.”

  “No, that’s a very good point Sally.”

  “But obviously, this is a very fast-moving news story, the disappearance of Darren Jenkins and Philip Pollard was only reported two days ago, so it’s very hard to keep track of all of these emerging threads to the investigation. I think we will just have to sit tight for now and wait to see what this morning’s press conference brings.”

  “Any word on when that will be?”

  “Manchester Police press office have indicated that it will be early, but other than that, we have no further information.”

  *****

  “This is Sunrise on Sky News, and we’re joined this morning by retired Metropolitan Police detective Joanne Dewhurst. Good morning.”

  “Good morning.” Said the red-haired former detective, smartly dressed in a grey suit.

  “Well, quite a night, it looks like things are beginning to move at quite a pace now in the missing teacher and pupil inquiry. What do you think is the significance of the two arrests which were made last night?”

  “Oh, I think it is hugely significant. The officers working on this case will have had good reason to make those arrests, especially as they were both made at the same time, on opposite sides of the country.”

  “And the thing that is most extraordinary is that Jess Pollard, the missing man’s daughter was seen on this channel, and is on the front of many of this morning’s newspapers, following that live press conference from Manchester yesterday tea-time. In fact, Jess Pollard must have only just got home when the police arrived to arrest her. What do you think must have happened to prompt such a swift course of action?”

  The detective smiled. “Well, I can’t answer that. The only people who really know what is happening, and who are aware of the information which led them to the conclusion that they had to make these arrests, are the officers dealing with this investigation.”

  “Police officers have been seen throughout the night removing belongings from the two home addresses, as well as Daniel Pollard’s business premises. Can you tell us any more about this?”

  “Yes, well, its quite normal for police officers to seize items which they feel may hold valuable evidence. Typically, these days, those items tend to be communication tools, such as phones, computers, laptops. I would imagine that the technical investigators are now scanning these items, looking for whatever information it is that they suspect is contained.”

  “Obviously, this is pure speculation at this stage, and we are expecting a press conference within the hour, which should shed some light on these developments. But I want to ask you, in your experience Joanne, would police normally arrest two relatives in these dramatic circumstances, or could they have simply asked the son and daughter, Daniel and Jess Pollard to come along to the station to help with their enquiries?”

  “Well, I think what you are asking me is whether Daniel and Jess are being viewed as suspects in this inquiry. The short answer is yes. The methods used in the arrests, and the subsequent removal of personal belongings from both addresses tells me that they are certainly under a great deal of suspicion. Quite what they are suspected of at this stage is anybody’s guess.”

  “In reality, the suggestion is that they are either suspected of being involved in the disappearance of Philip Pollard and Darren Jenkins, or they are suspected of being responsible for the disappearance. There doesn’t seem to be many other possibilities. Does that sound about right?”

  “In theory, yes, that is what it is looking like at this moment in time, but as I say, it’s just the officers in Manchester, and in North Yorkshire who will know exactly what is going on right now. But as I understand it, the search for Darren and Mr Pollard continues, and finding them is still the top priority job for every single police constabulary in the UK.”

  “Okay, Joanne Dewhurst, retired Met detective, thank you. Please stay with us, and we will talk to you again after the press conference.”

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Miller was driving into work, listening to the news report. He felt great, he hadn’t been anticipating getting such a good night’s sleep until this case was closed. But the previous night’s developments were so positive, he’d decided that it was common sense to turn in and get an early night so that his battery was fully charged for today. Normally, during a high-profile case, he would snatch a few hours sleep here and there, whenever the opportunity arose. It was rare for him to get a full seven hours in when the stakes were as high as they were in this investigation.

  It was 6.30, and the Manchester r
ush hour hadn’t yet begun, as Miller drove into the MCP HQ car park. Saunders’ car was already there.

  “Morning Keith!” said Miller, loudly as he walked into the department. He was surprised to see Rudovsky and Kenyon were already in, as was Saunders’ girlfriend, DC Helen Grant. “Bloody hell. You can’t all have pissed the bed?”

  “Morning Sir!” said Rudovsky.

  “Sir!” said Kenyon.

  “Had a lie in today, Sir?” asked Grant.

  Saunders just smiled.

  “What’s all this about?” asked Miller, smiling. He looked refreshed, relaxed and ready for whatever lay in store.

  “We’re just hoping for the best jobs… early bird catches the worms, Sir.” Rudovsky raised her thumb and did a cheesy smile, which made Miller laugh.

  “Come on Jo, tell me what you’re thinking?”

  “Okay Sir, I’m thinking me and Pete want to get over to Scarborough and pick Daniel Pollard apart.”

  “Pete, is this true?”

  “Yes Sir, Jo text me at half-two this morning to let me know.”

  “What do you think you’re going to find out?” asked Miller, concerned that Rudovsky might just be getting a little bit ahead of herself.

  “Sir, with respect, I’ll find everything out.”

  “Okay. Off you go. Scarborough is two and a half hour’s drive. Pete, use your siren and see if you can do it in an hour and a half. Jo, I’ll phone you in a bit for a chat. Don’t go in with Daniel Pollard until you’ve spoken with me first. Understood?”

  “Yes Sir!” said Rudovsky as she stepped forward and kissed Miller’s cheek, standing on her tip-toes to reach.

  “Get off me, you fucking knob.”

  “Love you too!” said Rudovsky as she headed for the door. Kenyon grabbed his car keys off the desk and followed quickly behind.

  “Right, so, that’s got her out of our hair for the day, anyway.”