Chapter Thirteen
Monday morning at the explosives lab, Jane was told to finish bagging and tagging the victims’ clothes and then get to work on the items of personal property that had been recovered, checking them against victims’ statements. There was a large table covered with items of jewelry, wallets and purses, dropped by victims or torn from their clothing by the explosion. She didn’t find it as traumatic as the first time she handled the blood-stained clothing. She realized she was becoming desensitized to the situation, thanks, perhaps, to Dexter’s advice to put the worst of it out of her thoughts.
As Jane sat taking her break in the canteen she was hoping to see Dexter, but he didn’t come in. Just as she was finishing her lunch, however, Crowley approached her table.
“We’ve had some worrying news about Mrs. Millbank. She was taken down for more surgery this morning. I want you to go over there and see how she’s doing.”
“Is it her leg?”
“Yes, there’s been a complication. It’s gangrene, so she’ll need more taken off, which, given her age, could be touch and go.”
Jane felt awful and agreed to go straight to the hospital.
“Keep me updated. Take her in some grapes . . . you know, look out for her.”
“Yes, sir.”
Before going in to see Daphne, Jane waited to have a word with Michael, the charge nurse. He looked tired as he approached, but then broke into a wide smile when he caught sight of Jane. His mood became somber again when she asked for an update on Daphne’s condition.
“Well, she’s out of surgery. Her antibiotics have been increased, and so far she has come through. It was another major operation to remove the infected tissue and thigh bone. All we can do now is hope for the best.”
“Can I see her?”
“Of course, but she won’t be very responsive. She’s heavily sedated and on a morphine drip.”
Jane headed toward the private section. She showed her ID and filled in her name, rank and time of visit on the visitor’s sheet before going in to see Daphne.
The blinds were still pulled down and the room felt cold and clinical. Daphne’s fragile figure was still surrounded by drips with medication. A sheeted cage had been erected over her from the waist down, and Daphne’s upper body was covered by a thick white blanket drawn up to her chin. What little Jane could see of Daphne’s arms were covered by tubes and drips, and her tiny bird-like hands were horribly marked by dark black bruises from endless injections. As Daphne had said to Jane, “I feel like I’m a pin cushion, dear.”
Jane pulled a hardback chair closer to the bed and sat down, hoping that Daphne would wake up so that she could hear her lovely, gutsy voice. But there was just the shallow sound of her breathing and the hiss of the ventilator. Jane sat with her for an hour, watching the nurses come in and out to check her blood pressure. Daphne’s eyes didn’t open.
Jane met Michael on her way out of the ward, and as he was on a break they went to the canteen for a coffee and a pastry. Michael told her that they were short staffed, still catching up with work after the explosion; they had taken in a lot of seriously injured patients the week before. Jane tried to lighten his mood by asking if he liked spaghetti Bolognese.
“Only, I wanted to ask if you’d like to have dinner at my place this week,” she explained. “And it’s the only thing I can cook.”
He gave her a winning smile. “I love it! I’m free on Wednesday night. Actually, I’m pretty free for the rest of the week if dinner is in the cards!”
Jane smiled. “Why not Wednesday. Say about seven thirty? Let me give you my address.”
Jane was about to leave the hospital when Michael’s name was called out on the Tannoy system, asking him to return to the ward immediately. He went to the nearest internal phone and spoke to someone briefly before he gestured to Jane.
“Daphne’s awake and demanding potted shrimp.”
“So it’s okay to see her?”
“Sure. We can go up together.”
“I’m going to get her some flowers from the hospital shop.”
“Fine. I’ll see you up there.”
The shop on the ground floor had just a few rather bedraggled-looking bunches of flowers and endless rows of chocolates, biscuits and magazines. Jane bought a copy of The Times and a packet of peppermint creams.
As Jane went through the security process again, Michael was called to tend to another patient. He left Daphne’s room and gave Jane the thumbs-up.
“Daphne is a remarkable woman, but she’s annoyed I didn’t bring her those potted shrimp!”
“It’s a bit late in the day for anything fresh from the fishmongers,” Jane said, smiling.
“I’ll ask the kitchens to make her a light meal, although I doubt she really wants to eat anything right now. The good news is that she’s breathing on her own.”
Jane waited for Michael to walk down the corridor before she eased open Daphne’s door and went into the room. Daphne’s lower half was still under the cage but she had been given another pillow to raise her head. She was still attached to various drips and tubes, but she looked wide awake.
“Hello, Daphne, it’s Jane Tennison.”
“Hello, dear. What a to-do. They’ve had me in surgery again. It’s down to bloody incompetent doctors if you ask me. They should have done a better job the first time around. Now I’m full of morphine, which makes me dippy in the head.”
Jane sat down beside her. “You don’t sound dippy to me, Daphne. You really are an amazing woman, you know.”
“I’d really like to have a radio to listen to instead of having to hear those thumping footsteps up and down the corridor. And I’ve asked that nice male nurse to bring me a drop of gin. I told him that if he couldn’t get me potted shrimp then he can bloody well get me a gin and tonic!”
“I’ll bring you a pot of shrimp tomorrow, Daphne, I promise. And if I can, I’ll sneak you in a little hip flask of gin.”
“That’s awfully nice of you, dear. Are you a nurse here?”
“No, Daphne, I’m Jane Tennison, remember? I’m a detective.”
“I was a Wren, you know. The uniform suited me but I hated wearing the hat. I need to see Heather as well. I love her so much, and she must be getting anxious.”
“Is she a friend?”
“Who?”
“Heather?”
“No, silly, she’s my Scottie. I walk her every day, and I think I’d better get up now.”
Daphne started pulling at her drips and pushing the cage away from her bed. Jane hurried out to the corridor and yelled for a nurse, as a loud crash came from the room. Two nurses hurried in and eventually managed to get Daphne settled, but she was shouting and had become abusive. One of the nurses told Jane to leave the room and as she went outside Michael was running down the corridor toward her.
“She tried to get up. She was becoming hysterical and talking about a Scottie dog. I don’t think she has one though.”
“That’ll be the morphine talking. I’ll call you later and give you an update, all right?”
“Thank you.” Jane waited for a while outside Daphne’s room before she left the hospital. Daphne’s behavior had disturbed her. Considering her frail condition, the strength and determination she had shown in trying to get out of bed was astonishing.
Jane went back to the Woolwich lab and reported what had happened. It was not until she had returned home in the evening that she received a call from Michael with an update. Although Daphne had quieted down after being sedated and was still breathing on her own, she was in a poorly but stable condition. Michael said he was looking forward to dinner on Wednesday, but explained that he couldn’t talk any longer as he was still doing his rounds.
Pearl was cooking something that made the flat smell like a soup kitchen. She was wearing an old terry toweling robe and had applied a cucumber face mask, making her look like an alien. Jane retreated into her bedroom and was sitting on her bed when Pearl knocked on her door
.
“Sorry, I forgot to mention: when I got in that woman Natalie rang again. She’s at home and asked if you could give her a ring. Something about a frock.”
“Thank you. Have you finished in the kitchen?”
“Yes, all clear. Do help yourself to some soup. It’s lentil, potato and chick pea.”
“Thank you, but I ate in the canteen at work. Oh, there’s something else. I’m having a friend over for supper on Wednesday at seven thirty, so I’d appreciate it if you could give me some space in the kitchen.”
“Fine by me, I’ll be very unobtrusive. I might see if I can go out to the cinema with Eric.”
Jane waited until she heard Pearl’s bedroom door shut before she went out into the hall to ring Natalie.
“Hi there, it’s Jane. You rang earlier?”
“Yes, I did. It’s about the hire place for your big do. The woman who runs it is quite protective of her clients as she buys from all the debs, so you’d have to go to her home in Chelsea. I think it would be a good idea if we meet up for a coffee beforehand, so I can introduce you to her. It’s always good to have someone else’s opinion when you’re choosing the dress that’ll make you the belle of the ball!”
“Oh, that’s kind of you, but I’m working over at Woolwich this week.”
“She doesn’t keep to shop hours, so why don’t we meet up after work and I can organize for her to meet you in the evening, say Wednesday?”
“I can’t on Wednesday. I have a dinner date.”
“Oh, I say! Which one of the suitors is that with?”
Jane laughed. “It’s the charge nurse. And guess what I’m cooking? Bolognese.”
Natalie laughed. “What about tomorrow night?”
“Yes, why not. Where shall we meet?”
“There’s a coffee bar on the corner of Sloane Square, by the Royal Court Theatre. I can be there whenever it suits you. At the bank we get off quite early.”
“How about six thirty?”
“Terrific, see you then. I look forward to it.”
Jane smiled as she replaced the handset, and took her notebook into the kitchen. She pulled out a stool and sat down at the counter making a list of ingredients she would need to buy for Wednesday. Although Pearl had left the counters wiped down, the top of the cooker was dirty and needed cleaning, and the pedal bin was full of wrappers and mounds of potato peelings. There was a large pan on the stove containing thick, congealed soup. Pearl had made enough to last her for days.
Jane emptied the bin, irritated that Pearl hadn’t done so. She had to take the rubbish bag all the way down the stairs to the front door. By the time she had deposited it into a bin allocated for all the flats she was even angrier, and went back upstairs to have it out with her.
Jane knocked on Pearl’s bedroom door and waited. When there was no reply she opened the door and looked in. The room was very untidy and there seemed to be even more piles of books than she remembered.
“Pearl? Pearl?”
“I’m in the bathroom, taking off my face mask,” Pearl shouted.
Jane stood outside the closed bathroom door. “Pearl, when you fill the pedal bin in the kitchen could you empty it and take it down to the bins outside? I’ve just done it, but in the future could you try to keep it clean as otherwise it starts to smell awful.”
“Okay, I didn’t know where the rubbish went. Sorry.” The bathroom door swung open and Pearl stood in the doorway holding the kettle.
“Do you need to use the bathroom? Only I’m giving myself a steam cleansing treatment. The face mask draws all the dirt out of the pores.”
“No, you carry on.”
“I can get bad acne you see, so I have to really take care of my skin. I pour very hot water onto the flannel, then cover my face.”
“Well, I’m sure you know what you’re doing.”
“You should try it. Removes blackheads better than anything.”
Jane gave Pearl a condescending smile as she walked back to her own room and closed the door. “Too much information,” she thought, hoping Pearl’s face cloth was not left hung over the basin next to hers.
The following morning, as Jane was getting dressed for work, DCI Church rang.
“Just checking in to see how things are going at Woolwich.”
“It’s quite a schlepp there and back, but it’s okay. I had a fascinating day last week watching Dexter disarm a bomb.”
“What, a real one?”
“No, just a fake one, but when I saw the dummy being blown up I thought it was him.”
“One of these days that risk taker is going to blow himself up. Use your time there to your best advantage—it’s good experience. Then we’ll have you back on the Dip Squad. In the meantime, we’re just allocating names to the tables for the Good Friday event. You are coming, aren’t you?”
“Yes.”
“Good, and will you want a ticket for anyone else?”
Jane could tell from Church’s tone he was being nosy. She thought about Dexter, then Michael.
“No, just one ticket.”
“Right, well in that case you can come as my guest.”
“Thank you, but I insist on paying for my own ticket.”
“Fair enough. For obvious reasons we’ll be getting taxis there and back, but I’ll need to get there earlier as I’m doing the seating plan.”
“Where exactly is it?”
“St. Ermin’s Hotel in Caxton Street, just opposite Scotland Yard. The invitation is for 7pm prompt, so I’ll arrange for you to be picked up by Stanley and Blondie from home.”
“I can easily get a taxi straight there.”
“Up to you. It’s black tie, by the way.”
Jane laughed softly. “Yes, I know. You’ve told me long frocks. Actually I’m sorting mine out this evening after work.”
“Maybe we could have a catch-up drink on Wednesday evening?”
“Actually, I’m having dinner with someone on Wednesday. In fact, I’m cooking.”
“It’s not Dexter, is it?”
“No, sir. It’s the charge nurse from the hospital.”
“Oh, right. I read the report saying that the old lady’s had a bit of a setback.”
“Her name’s Daphne, Daphne Millbank. I think it’s more than a setback, but I’ll know more when I’ve talked to Michael.”
“Michael?”
“He’s the charge nurse.”
“Ah, right, I see. Just keep in mind that we do need you to be wary at all times. And make sure we know where you are and who you’re with.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll make out a report for the office diary so it can be updated every day.”
“Good girl. Well, that’s it for now.”
“Can I ask, sir, would it be possible for me to take a day’s leave today? I’ve got housework to catch up on and shopping. And I’d like to look at some evening dresses for the do on Friday.”
“A woman’s work is never done, eh? I can’t see it being a problem. Take it as a yes. I’ll inform Crowley and the lab you won’t be in today.”
Jane replaced the receiver with a soft smile. She found his concern for her very endearing, and noticed how quick he was to ask if it was Dexter who was her dinner guest. As she left her flat she felt excited about meeting up with Natalie to choose her dress, and was looking forward to the Good Friday event.
DCI Church perched on the edge of Stanley’s desk, swinging one leg.
“You know, I don’t think Tennison has really taken on board this situation regarding the Covent Garden suspect. If Daphne Millbank dies, which she was bloody close to the other night, it will leave the bomb squad completely reliant on Jane. As it is we’ve all been seconded to Crowley’s lot to help find the ASU and Tennison is the only other witness to actually see the bomber.”
“Yeah, but just his profile, unlike our Daphne, who’s had the balls to say she’d come to an identification parade and is certain she would be able to pick out the scumbag.”
“But rig
ht now we don’t bloody well have anyone. The four suspects from the Balcombe Street siege are waiting to go on trial and are refusing to give up anyone who could be connected.”
“Is Dexter knocking her off?”
“What?”
“I heard you mention his name on the phone to her just now.”
“I dunno. Crowley did ask him to keep an eye on her.”
“Well, it’s all gone very quiet.”
Church nodded. He and Stanley both knew that in reality it was too quiet. It was then that Church noticed the memo left on his desk. He drew the single piece of typed paper toward him.
“What’s this?”
“Tennison reckons she saw the Hernandez girl getting out of a Jag with none other than Uncle Andres. They were headed into the Playboy Club.”
“Are you serious?”
“Yeah. She got the reg plate. It’s a top-end car service. They supply chauffeurs, drivers, you name it.”
“Did you pass this on to the Vice Squad?”
“Yes of course I did. That’s why I didn’t bother you with it.”
Church snapped. “I’m not bothered, Stanley, but I should’ve been informed. How is this Andres still out on the streets?”
“All I’ve been told, Guv, is that he is a problem. He is a very wealthy guy. He lawyered up the girl her brother, and the other bloke, as well as himself. And there’s some connection to a diplomat. That’s all I know.”
Jane spent the day resting and watching TV after she had tidied her flat and washed her dirty clothes. She felt relaxed and refreshed when she went to the coffee bar to meet Natalie. She had only been sitting for a few moments when Natalie arrived and waved across the room to her.
“Hi there! Have you been waiting long?”
“No, I’ve only just got here. I haven’t even ordered yet.”
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