“Well, we’ll see. You were uptight this morning about her snooping in your bedroom, and always asking you questions. Did you tell her you worked at Woolwich?”
“No . . . no, I don’t think so,” she replied, trying to catch her breath as Church concentrated on maneuvering through the traffic, swearing at the congestion.
“The local uniforms are waiting to gain entry to your flat for a search. I’ve given instructions to keep Radcliff in custody. Crowley will want to interview her in case the investigation’s been compromised.”
By the time they drew up outside Jane’s flat her nerves were in shreds. Two uniformed officers were waiting and as soon as Jane joined them they headed up to the top floor. Jane unlocked her front door and Church told her to sit in the kitchen while they searched Pearl’s bedroom.
Jane tipped her cold coffee down the sink and took a wet cloth to wipe down her skirt. Church stood in the doorway.
“She’s got a room full of books. Half of them have been nicked from libraries: they’re knee-deep in there. Are you telling me that you weren’t suspicious? I mean, they’re stacked all around her bed in every available space.”
“I knew she was always bringing books home, but I didn’t think she was stealing them.”
“Well, the one she was caught nicking was the Guinness Book of Records. After what we’ve found, she might make it into the next one!”
Jane sat in the kitchen while the officers carried out books to the hallway, ready for them to be taken away as evidence. Church said he was going to Paddington to see Crowley and Stanley was coming over to sit with her. The uniforms had made a thorough search of Pearl’s room and found nothing else incriminating, but they also wanted to look in Jane’s bedroom and the loft.
Jane felt humiliated. She offered to make tea, but everyone declined. A uniform officer brought in some flat cardboard boxes to assemble and fill with books. Stanley arrived about an hour later. He was his usual scruffy self and said very little to Jane as he assisted the uniform officers separating the library books from others that might have been stolen elsewhere. After another hour, the boxes were carried out to a paddy wagon to be taken to the property store at Paddington. Stanley came back to sit in the kitchen and have a cup of tea with Jane.
“Right, the guv wants her belongings moved out of here by tonight. Crowley’s interviewing her just now. She’ll be held in custody until the theft charges are sorted, then taken to a magistrate’s court first thing in the morning. That should give you time to pack up all her gear. She’ll probably be granted bail, so she can return to collect it. Church has suggested that I should be here to make sure she leaves.”
“But where will she go?”
“That’s not your problem, sweetheart. You’re a detective constable in the Met, and there could be repercussions about her lodging here with you.”
“Should I call her work and explain something about her not turning up?”
“Again, luv, that’s not your problem. We just need to get her out of here, then it’s done and dusted.”
Stanley left. Feeling even worse, Jane went into Pearl’s bedroom. She found her suitcases and placed them on the bed, and started packing clothes. They were soon too full to close, so she began filling up rubbish bags, and placing them in the hall. In the drawer of the bedside table she found bundles of letters and cards, many with New Zealand stamps. She wrapped the TV in one of Pearl’s blankets and then filled a carrier bag with all her toiletries in the bathroom.
The hallway was quickly filled with Pearl’s belongings, and Jane took out the vacuum and began to go over the dirty, food-stained carpet. Jane stripped the bed and bundled the sheets and pillow cases into yet another plastic bag for her to take to the launderette. She polished and dusted every surface. By six o’clock the empty room was devoid of any connection to Pearl Radcliff.
The doorbell rang at 8pm and Jane looked out of the window to see who it was before she buzzed DCI Church up to the top floor. He gave her a glum smile when he saw the cluttered hallway.
“Radcliff’s been given a hard time by Crowley, but to be honest I don’t think there is anything you need to be concerned about. She’ll spend a night in the cells and at about midday tomorrow she’ll be brought here to remove all her stuff.”
“I never even thought not to mention to Pearl that I was going to Woolwich. I feel so stupid.” Jane said.
“Don’t. These things happen. You could actually say we got lucky because if she hadn’t been caught red-handed you might have been arrested along with her, for dishonest handling of a ton of nicked library books.” He grinned.
“What did DCI Crowley say about it?”
Church shrugged and tried to make light of it. “He’s not exactly happy, but he’s calmed down a bit. Understandably, he wants Pearl out of your flat ASAP.” The truth was that he had hit the roof, snapping that DC Tennison must be a bloody idiot not to have been suspicious.
Church stood awkwardly in the small hallway. He could see how upset Jane was.
“Are you ready for the Good Friday do then?” he said, changing the subject.
“Yes, I’ve got my dress.” she said, rather lamely.
“Well, it’s only a week to go. The tickets are sold out, so it should be a big bash. There’ll be cocktails before we sit down, and there’s a great menu. Then there’ll be a few speeches, and onto the dance floor with the band.”
Jane felt tearful as she nodded her head. Church reached over and took her hand.
“Listen, don’t beat yourself up. These things happen. After tomorrow, you’ll be clear of her, and Stanley will be here to make sure she picks up everything. I suggest you just go to work as usual. Stanley will get her front door key and lock up afterward.”
“Thank you.”
Church let go of her hand.
“I may have come on a bit heavy this morning but the reality is, Jane, you have to learn to not allow your emotions to override your professionalism. Regina Hernandez is a sad case but you’ll find there will be many more like her. There is not an officer in the Met who doesn’t have the faces of victims haunting them. It’s quite possible the Vice Squad will find her and this time endeavor to protect her. I’m not going to hold this against you. You have a lot on your shoulders with the situation here in your flat and with Crowley putting pressure on you.”
“You’ve been reassigned so you’re not at the explosives lab anymore,” he added. “As from tomorrow, Crowley wants you working in the bomb squad office at the Yard. He didn’t give a reason but I guess it’s so he can keep a closer eye on you. You’ve had a long day. Get some shuteye and put this all behind you.”
Church waved his hand and she burst into tears as he shut the door behind him.
Chapter Sixteen
Jane left earlier than usual for work on the Friday, not just to get out of the flat, but also to see what she would be working on. In some ways it came as no surprise that she had been assigned to the clerical office, typing and filling reports. She felt as if it was Crowley’s way of punishing her over the Pearl incident and just hoped that DCI Church had not made him fully aware of her indiscretions.
Jane missed the lab and working with Paul Lawrence. She knew if she was with him she could speak in confidence, and he would be understanding and give her sound advice on what to do. The day was laborious and she was given nothing of sensitive interest to type up, just reports about new office equipment and expenditure. She knew that word of an officers’ indiscretions traveled fast on the police grape vine and it made her feel uneasy. Every time someone walked into the room to put something on her desk she felt as if they were looking at her with disdain because of Pearl’s arrest.
Although she couldn’t wait for the day to end, part of her was dreading going home. When she finally got back to the flat, it was silent. All of Pearl’s belongings had been taken. Jane made an omelet and a cup of tea and sat at the kitchen counter trying to work out how she was going to be able to afford living ther
e alone. The phone interrupted her thoughts. It was Natalie.
“Natalie, I meant to call you . . . I’m sorry. I’ve been sort of up against it at work, and I’ve had a situation here at the flat that you just would not believe.”
Jane found it a relief to talk about Pearl. Natalie was understanding, and sympathized about how dreadful it must have been for Jane to find out she was a thief.
“I sort of feel sorry for her. But at least I now have the flat to myself.”
“Oh, I know exactly how you feel. I love being here on my own. How did dinner go?”
“It was good, but then we had to go to the hospital as there was an emergency and Michael was on call.”
“Oh dear, I hope it wasn’t serious.”
“It was, unfortunately. Do you remember when we first met up again I’d been to see one of the victims of the Covent Garden explosion? She was such a wonderful lady, but she didn’t make it. It was very sad.”
“Poor you. What with that and the Pearl situation you must be totally stressed out.”
“To be honest, I am. But I’ll get myself together.”
“Well, the reason I was calling was that I got into rather a panic as I remembered you needed a shawl or a little bolero of some kind, and I wondered if I was too late. Is the dinner tonight?”
“No, it’s next Friday. Good Friday. I do need something, though, and I still haven’t got any shoes.”
“What about coming over tomorrow to try this little jacket I’ve got? I think it will look really nice. It’s got a few sequins around the edge, with capped sleeves.”
“I can’t tomorrow as I’m going to my parents’. What about Sunday morning?”
Natalie said that was perfect and suggested Jane came over after ten as she was going out jogging first thing with some colleagues from the bank.
“Tell you what, I can show you the best stuffing for a roast chicken, and maybe we can have lunch together.”
“I’ll look forward to it. Thank you for calling.”
Natalie laughed, “I’ve noticed your most overused words are ‘thank you’!”
“It shows you what a nice, well brought up, girl I am! See you tomorrow.”
The following morning, she decided to buy a pair of evening shoes. Jane walked from Baker Street to Oxford Street, London’s main shopping area. It was heaving with people and Jane spent over an hour window shopping before she saw a pair of high-heeled slingbacks in the window of a Saxon shoe shop. She was uncertain about them and tried on a few different styles before putting the slingbacks on again and walking up and down the shop to stand in front of a full-length mirror.
“I think they’re very flattering to your legs,” the sales girl said with hardly any interest.
“I’m going to be wearing a long dress.”
“Oh well, most important is they’re comfortable. They’re a good price.”
“You don’t think they’re too high?” Jane asked, as she took them off.
“No, they show off your ankles. Unless you want to go for flatties, like the ones you’re wearing?”
“No, I’ll take these,” Jane said, slipping her feet into her comfortable old shoes.
After walking home and putting the box with her new shoes into her wardrobe, Jane collected her car and drove to Maida Vale. She had taken her bag of dirty laundry to do at some point in the evening. It was already almost midday as she rang the doorbell before using her key to open the front door.
“It’s me,” she called out, shutting the front door behind her. In the hallway were two large suitcases with name tags, ready for their Norwegian cruise. Her mother hurried down the corridor her arms open wide.
“Jane! Give me a big hug and a kiss.”
Jane sometimes forgot how attractive her mother was when she did her hair and makeup. She had had her hair colored and permed and was wearing a pale blue, round necked sweater with a dark blue pleated skirt.
“Daddy’s just gone to get a bottle of rosé, and I made a steak pie last night, which I’ve got in the oven. I’m just going to make some gravy, and we’ll have mashed potatoes and green beans. Then we’ve got your favorite ice cream, vanilla and chocolate.”
“That sounds delicious, Mum. Is Pam coming?”
“Good heavens, no! She’ll be working until six in the salon and then she’ll want to check all her packing as Tony is useless.”
“They’re going with you?” Jane asked, surprised.
“Yes, Daddy’s treat. They were a bit miffed about the money he’d loaned you for the flat, so this is a sort of peace deal.”
“Well, that’ll be nice, and good company.”
“I am so excited! I’ve never been on a cruise before. It’s been difficult to know what to wear as we have to dress for dinner every night, and then be prepared for very cold weather, and they have lots of games and entertainment indoors and out on the deck.”
Jane walked into the kitchen and pulled out a stool.
“I was wondering if I could borrow that little pearl necklace you’ve got, with the small drop earrings?”
“Oh dear, I’ve packed it. If only you’d let me know sooner. Although it is rather lovely and I need some jewelry to wear on board the Bolette. That’s the ship we’re going on. It was only launched a couple of years ago.”
“Never mind.”
“Are you going somewhere nice?”
“Yes, it’s a dinner dance for all the CID officers, at St. Ermin’s Hotel.”
“Oh well, if there’s anything that I’m not taking you’re welcome to try it on. Have you asked Pam?”
“No, don’t worry, I’ll find something.”
Mrs. Tennison busied herself setting the table and mashing the potatoes, while Jane sat on a kitchen stool watching. Her father returned from the local off license and they opened the chilled bottle of wine. They talked about the forthcoming trip to Norway and their excitement was endearing. She enjoyed being with them and didn’t spoil the mood by telling them about the situation with Pearl. She told them instead about meeting Natalie and how they had become close friends, but the conversation mostly returned to the cruise. As soon as her mother had prepared the veg and gravy she handed Jane the brochures for her to look at.
“Fred Olsen is supposed to be a really good company. They do all sorts of trips but your father and I have always wanted to visit Oslo, and the fords look so beautiful.”
Mr. Tennison smiled, and winked at Jane. “They’re pronounced fee-ords dear.”
Jane flicked through the brochure thinking how much she would hate being cooped up on a ship for any length of time. She couldn’t imagine anything worse than dressing up every night to have dinner with a table of complete strangers. It had taken her long enough to find a dress to wear for the Good Friday event, let alone two weeks of dinners. However, she was happy that they were so excited about the cruise and made an effort to sound enthusiastic.
“It does look lovely Mum. I’m sure you’ll all have a great time. Oh look, they do painting classes, and flower arranging as well.”
“Oh, I’m not sure we’ll have time for any of that, dear. We’ll be too busy visiting the fords . . . I mean, fee-ords. Do you know there’s even a hair salon on board? Pam will be so impressed. She does like to keep up to date and make sure she’s got all the latest hair styling techniques.”
Jane smiled and nodded, aware of just how competitive her sister was. Mr. Tennison leaned over and handed Jane a sheet of paper on which he had written, neatly and precisely, their cruise itinerary.
“Just in case you need to get in touch with us in an emergency. You can call Fred Olsen’s office in London, and then they can send a telegram out to the ship. But let’s hope you won’t have any more emergencies for a while. You’ve been caught up in too many dangerous situations recently. Please be careful. Your mother and I do worry about you.”
Jane could tell that Mrs. Tennison was starting to get anxious, so she quickly changed the subject.
“I’m just goi
ng to get some things from my bedroom.”
Although it had previously been kept just as if she was still living at home, her bedroom was now full of boxes and there were bags all over her bed. She didn’t mind, but she was hoping her mother had not cleared out her underwear drawer. The drawer was almost empty as she had taken most of her things with her when she had moved to her flat. The remaining items were neatly folded and Jane searched through them looking for the strapless bra she had used when she had been Pam’s bridesmaid. She found it at the back of the drawer and popped it into her bag to take home.
After helping her mother wash the dishes and clear the kitchen, Jane sat down with her father, who was sitting in a wingback chair with his feet up on a stool.
He asked her how everything was at work. As usual Jane didn’t go into any details, but hinted that she was eager to leave Woolwich and return to the Dip Squad. She was just explaining exactly what the Dip Squad was when her mother interrupted, carrying a velvet-covered jewelry box.
“Have a little hunt through here, dear, and see if there’s anything that takes your fancy.”
Jane sorted through various beads and chains in the main section, then looked through the top layer, which had compartments for rings and earrings. Everything she picked out her mother had an explanation of when she had been given it, and when she had worn it. Just as she’d decided there was nothing suitable, she found out a thin gold chain with a small teardrop pearl attached.
“I like this, Mummy.”
“Daddy gave me that when your brother was born.”
“Oh.” Jane’s mother never spoke about the son she’d lost. Jane didn’t know what to say.
“It’s an eighteen-carat gold chain, and the pearl is real.”
“It’s beautiful.”
“You can borrow it, if you like.”
“No, really, I think it’s too precious.”
“So are you,” her father interrupted, and Jane found herself near to tears as he got up from his chair and carefully placed it around Jane’s neck.
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