DEAD & BURIED a gripping crime thriller full of twists

by Helen H. Durrant

  “No idea. First I’ve heard of it. But it doesn’t surprise me.”

  “Do you recall Carol’s full name?”

  The warder whispered in Blackwell’s ear. Advice? Or was it a warning not to say too much about what went on in Costello’s world?

  Calladine assured him again. “We’re not looking to incriminate you. We simply want to talk to her.”

  “It’s not you lot I’m bothered about,” Blackwell grunted.

  So he was concerned that Costello might find out about this conversation. That man’s tentacles reached everywhere.

  “Carol Rhodes was her name. She lived in Leesdon. Don’t know where she is now. We all lost touch.”

  Calladine smiled. “Thanks. That could help immensely.”

  “The money?” Blackwell asked. “Was it a lot?”

  “No, just a small amount. Went up every now and then. Inflation, I expect.”

  That seemed to satisfy Blackwell but he didn’t say why.

  The warder coughed. “Ken has had enough now.”

  * * *

  “Carol Rhodes,” Calladine told the team. “She was an ex-girlfriend of Costello’s. We need to find her and ask what she remembers about Emily’s life during those years. Did they keep in touch, that sort of thing? Jet Holdings is owned by Costello. So effectively it was him paying Emily the money every month. We need to know why. Given the number of years it has been going on it has to be something to do with the past.”

  “Sir!” Rocco interrupted. “CCTV from last night. Guess whose car was parked a few yards from the roundabout?”

  Rocco looked pleased with himself.

  “Tanya Mallon’s,” he said. “It was there for a good fifteen minutes. Long enough to do for Mick Garrett.”

  That woman again! She was everywhere in this investigation. But restrain, beat and then stab Garrett? It didn’t fit somehow. “Thanks, Rocco. We’ll bring her in. Imogen, see if you can find Carol Rhodes. Marriage records, electoral register, you know the drill.” Calladine drew a ring around Tanya Mallon’s name on the board.

  Eliza King stood watching, hands on hips. “She works for Costello. I had hoped we could soft-peddle things where he was concerned. At least until I’ve made contact with my informant again.”

  “We can’t wait. Besides it might not even involve Costello. But we can’t ignore the fact that she’s involved in this right up to her pretty neck. We can’t hang around. Give her any more leeway and she’ll be gone.”

  “Costello is bound to find out, and when he does he’ll be on his guard. This is going to trash all my hard work.” Eliza King stormed back to his office, slamming the door behind her.

  “I take it she’s not coming with us then. Pity. She’d do well to be a bit more hands on with the case.”

  “Pennine Inn, sir?”

  “Yes, Rocco. It’s lunchtime, so with luck she’ll be there. If not, we’ll have to get uniform to wait until she turns up.”

  * * *

  They were in luck. Tanya Mallon was there, alone. She was talking on her mobile as the two detectives entered the restaurant.

  “Hello again, Inspector. Looking for me?” She smiled, putting the phone in her bag. “Work calls me back, I’m afraid. I’ll have to cut my visit short.”

  “We’d like you to come down to the station. Answer a few more questions.”

  “Can’t we do it here, Inspector? I’ve already ordered lunch and the chef is preparing something special.”

  Calladine and Rocco sat down. “Where were you last night?”

  “In the bar,” she replied. “From eight till late, I’m afraid. I got into a conversation with a gentleman from Florida.”

  “Will he confirm that?”

  “He can’t. He left for home this morning.”

  “How convenient. What about the barman? Will he vouch for you?”

  “I’ve no idea where he is today, Inspector.”

  “Your car was caught on CCTV in Leesdon last night. It was parked at the scene of a murder.”

  She stared at him wide-eyed. “Another killing? This town isn’t safe, is it? I’ll be sure not to venture out alone after dark again.”

  “Can you explain what your car was doing there?”

  “No, Inspector, I’m afraid I can’t.” She thought for a moment. “Something odd though. This morning my car was not where I’d left it. I park in the small car park at the side of the hotel. This morning it was right outside the main entrance.”

  “What are you saying?”

  She smiled. “That someone borrowed it, Inspector. My own fault entirely. I really shouldn’t leave the keys in the ignition.”

  “And you expect me to believe that?”

  She shrugged. “It’s what happened. Unless you can prove otherwise.”

  “Did you mention this to anyone?”

  “Yes. I told one of the porters this morning. John, I believe his name is.”

  “There are other factors in this case that I want to question you about.”

  “I’m sure this is some sort of harassment.”

  “Not at all. It’s just a few questions.”

  “Are you going to arrest me?”

  “No, but your cooperation would be appreciated.”

  “Then I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you. After lunch I have packing to do and then I’m returning home.”

  Calladine was fed up with all this verbal dancing.

  “In that case I will arrest you, Mrs Mallon.”

  * * *

  “Anything on Carol Rhodes yet, Imogen?” Calladine had left Tanya Mallon in a soft interview room with two uniformed officers. He needed strong coffee before he tackled the woman again.

  “Nothing concrete, guv. She’s a mystery. There is an old missing person report from the seventies. Joe in archives dug it out for me. Seems he knew the Rhodes family. We’d be searching forever if he hadn’t put it in his special box. Apparently he was never happy with the outcome. Her family decided Carol had run off with her boyfriend — Costello. That might be true but he certainly didn’t marry Carol. His wife is Spanish. So why didn’t she return home? There were no letters, no phone calls, not even a card at Christmas.”

  “And her family didn’t take it further?”

  “No. Joe told me they weren’t up to much. But that’s not the point. When she disappeared, Carol was only fifteen.”

  “Where did she live?”

  “Back Lane, number three.”

  “Okay, Imogen. Would you go down there and speak to the neighbours? You never know, one of them might remember her.”

  “Doctor Atkins rang while you were out. She says Garrett was killed where he was found.”

  He turned to Rocco. “Ready for this?”

  The DC nodded.

  Calladine’s mobile rang. It was Shez Mortimer.

  “Fancy another session later?”

  No shrinking violet this one. “What time?” The words were out before he could stop them. He should have refused, made an excuse, so why hadn’t he? Because he could feel it starting again. The excitement at meeting someone new and hitting it off immediately. Shez was fun and very attractive. Although she had dark hair, she reminded him of Lydia. He sighed into his phone. This was going to cause no end of trouble with both Monika and Ruth.

  “The Wheatsheaf. Get away when you can. I’ll wait for you.”

  Rocco was looking at him sideways. Calladine kept his mouth shut. He didn’t want this getting out yet.

  “Tanya Mallon was seen at the shooting on the Hobfield and again at the site of Garrett’s death. She’d better come up with something better than coincidence this time.”

  Tanya Mallon didn’t seem to be bothered in the least by her detention. As the detectives entered the room she was touching up her make-up.

  “A girl has to do her best.” She smiled as she put the mirror back in her bag and checked her watch. “Will this take long? I have things to do, Inspector.”

  “Don’t we all,” Callad
ine responded. “Might I suggest you tell us the truth this time and then we can all get on with what we have to do.”

  “I don’t know what you want me to say. I’ve done nothing. But that doesn’t fit with your theories, does it?”

  “What were you doing last night?”

  “I was in the bar.”

  “We need the name of someone who can back that up.”

  “I told you, the man I met has gone.”

  “The barman then. We can always get the guest’s name from the hotel later.”

  “His name is Robin. You could ring the hotel and ask.”

  “I’ll do that.” He nodded at Rocco who left the room.

  “Should I have a solicitor present?”

  “Do you need one?”

  Another charming smile. “No, I don’t think I do. Your detective will be back presently and he’ll confirm what I’ve told you.”

  “You were on the Hobfield the other day and there was a shooting. You were by the viaduct last night and there was a stabbing. Suppose I do believe you had nothing to do with either incident, I still have to ask if you saw anything.”

  She shook her head. “No. Like I’ve already told you. This is all quite tedious.”

  She spent the rest of the time until Rocco returned, staring at a picture on the wall.

  “Robin confirms Mrs Mallon’s story.”

  “I told you. I don’t lie, Inspector.” She gave them both a small smile and began to stand up.

  Calladine stopped her. “Not so fast. You can stay here and give the constable a statement.”

  * * *

  Tonight Shez Mortimer wore a fitted navy number with the high-heeled slingbacks. Her hair hung in a glossy curtain and she sported the signature red lipstick. She broke into a wide smile when she spotted him.

  “You keep long hours. A policeman’s lot, I suppose.”

  So he had told her. He couldn’t remember doing so, but the fact didn’t seem to bother her.

  “We’ve got a big case on,” he explained.

  “I’ve seen something in the local rag. A woman found dead in a local beauty spot.”

  “It’s turning out to be a tough one and it involves some hard characters.”

  She patted his knee. “You have my sympathy. My own job can get tricky too. We get our fair share of dodgy punters in the escort business. Particularly those who don’t want to pay. Tackle them and they turn into Neanderthals. The wealthier they are, the worse they behave.”

  “How many escorts do you have?” He had no real idea what was involved or how a business like that would work.

  “Currently I’m based in Manchester but I’m looking to expand. I have ten girls on my books permanently and others I can call on if we’re busy. It’s a lucrative little number, Tom. The hours are okay. I run things from my office day to day but I’m always on my phone if there’s a problem at night.”

  “Do the men always expect . . . well, you know?”

  Shez laughed. “Some just want a dinner partner or someone to talk to while they’re away from home. As long as they pay the bill, I don’t mind.”

  “But there must be plenty of the other sort?”

  “Oh yes. Those who mistake the word ‘escort’ for something else entirely, if you get my meaning. My girls know the score. They all know what’s required and how far to go. Most of them I hand-picked myself. It’s picking the punters that takes the skill.”

  “So you’re perfectly reputable?”

  She laughed out loud. “Yes, of course. I run an escort business. It’s all very tasteful and discreet. How dare you suggest anything else!” She slapped his arm.

  “Have you sorted out your employee yet — Annette? The one who was dining at the Pennine Inn?”

  “Yes, we’ve had words. She’s seen the error of her ways. It turns out it was a bad night anyway. The customer didn’t pay. Robert Silver dumped her in favour of a classy piece with an American accent.”

  Calladine stared at her. “Do you happen to know the name of this classy piece?”

  “No idea. Annette said she cocked her little finger and he went running. Dumped her and left her to pay the bill. A lesson learned, I think.”

  “This customer of yours. Robert Silver, you said?”

  She nodded. Not a name Calladine knew. But he could look it up. “My advice is, keep your distance.”

  She put her hand on his. “I can look after myself, you know.”

  Calladine didn’t doubt it. “It might be nothing, but the woman he met has been interviewed in relation to a case we’re investigating. Just be wary.”

  “That doesn’t surprise me. Robert’s no angel. I always got the impression he had a dodgy past and some scary friends.”

  “Any names?”

  Shez shook her head. “It wouldn’t do to say. You being police. Some of those scary friends are clients,” she explained. “That’s how I met him. How far away is your place?”

  “Not far.”

  “Do you have booze at home?”

  “Plenty in the fridge and I have a bottle of vodka — unopened since Christmas.”

  “In that case, want to spend some quality time?” She leaned closer and kissed him on the lips.

  Calladine hadn’t felt like this in a long time. He got to his feet and took her hand.

  Chapter 14

  Friday

  “He’s cute.” Eliza King tickled Sam under his chin. “I’ll take him for a walk before I go in.”

  “You don’t have to,” Calladine replied. “Tea and toast suit you?” He walked off into the kitchen. When he’d come back last night with Shez, he’d forgotten about Eliza King being here. Fortunately she’d been up in her room, flat out he hoped. Shez had left this morning before she’d surfaced.

  “Did you sleep okay?”

  She nodded. “I certainly did. It’s nice here. Far quieter than that pub. I’d have gone mad if I’d stayed there much longer.”

  “It’s always suited me.”

  “You live alone?”

  Calladine called back from the kitchen. “Currently, yes.”

  “No kids?”

  “I’ve a grown-up daughter, Zoe. She lives with her partner in a new build on the edge of town.”

  “Hard work, daughters. I’ve got two. The eldest is nineteen. Gives me no end of trouble, that one.”

  “You don’t look old enough.” Calladine placed a mug of tea and plate of toast in front of her.

  “It must be down to good genes or something. Because it’s nothing to do with lifestyle, believe me. I did everything young. I married, had the kids. I’m not apologising for it, it's how things are. I'm thirty-eight.”

  “It must have been hard when your girls were little — working, climbing the promotion ladder.”

  “I managed. But I’m suffering for it now.”

  Talking about her family had touched a nerve. She went quiet. After a few minutes she grabbed a slice of toast and Sam’s lead and left. Calladine had hoped she might start to relax a little. But she was no better. The woman was a complicated mix of the volatile and the moody. Just the type he could do without. Calladine thanked his lucky stars they weren’t stuck with her. He checked his mobile. Nothing from Shez. She’d promised to text when she arrived back home, but there was a message from Imogen. Emily’s provider had sent over the list. Most of the calls were from friends or Ricky, but several were listed to an unregistered pay-as-you-go. It was the one that had called the ambulance for Wayne Davey.

  The bullets were from the same gun, so it should come as no surprise. Emily must have known the caller. Why else would she agree to meet in an out of the way spot?

  He tidied up and checked the fridge for food. He made a mental note to buy more milk and left for work. The weather was kind again so he walked. He was trying to pack in as much exercise as he could.

  * * *

  “Something struck me on the way in,” Calladine said to the team when he got to the station. “The Pennine Inn has a CCTV c
amera at the entrance. It’s pointed down the drive. Would you check it, Imogen? See where Tanya Mallon’s car was parked up when it returned, and if possible who was driving. Also, would you check if anything is known about one Robert Silver.”

  Joyce was on the office phone. “Sir, uniform have a young man downstairs. They’ve just picked him up on the Hobfield. It’s Kayne Archer.”

  “DCI King?” Imogen looked towards his office.

  “She’s not arrived yet. Last I saw she was walking Sam.”

  “Will you speak to him?” Joyce asked.

  “With pleasure. Let’s hope he’s got something useful to tell us.”

  * * *

  “How did it go then, you and Tom?”

  “We’re meeting tomorrow. Before you get too excited it’s only the garden centre and a bit of lunch,” Monika said to Ruth. “It was being in the churchyard that did it. His parents’ grave could do with cheering up. I’m going to help him choose some plants.”

  “You’re good for him, Monika. He might not realise it, but he needs you.”

  “Yes, but do I need him?” Monika frowned. “He really hurt me, you know. I won’t go through that again, not even for him. You tell me he’s changed, but he seems like the same old Tom to me. Apart from how he looks, of course.”

  “I think he’s learned his lesson. No excuse I know, but he’s a sucker for a pretty face. He knew Lydia wasn’t for keeps. She was using him to get a story. In the end it cost her her life and Tom feels guilty.”

  “Well, I’ll give it a go. But I’m keeping it friendly. I’m not prepared to hop into bed like the old times. Not until he proves he’s a reformed character.”

  “That’s fair enough.”

  “What does he want — Reverend Philips?”

  “He’s got a couple of questions.”

  “You go in and I’ll walk Harry around until you’re finished.”

  “He should be okay, he’s asleep.” Ruth clapped her hands gleefully. “Things are looking up.”

  Monika had pushed baby Ireson around the graveyard several times before Ruth resurfaced.

  “The reverend is long-winded. Harry been okay?”

  “Not a peep.”

  “Someone you knew?”