by Peter Boon
‘What are you thinking?’ I asked gently.
‘That this is a red herring. I don’t think Roberts is the killer.’
It’s often easy to dismiss Noah’s various theories about actual crimes, due to most of these theories being based on books he’s read. But I also didn’t feel right about Roberts’ arrest. It felt too simple.
I thought back to my feeling earlier that we’d heard some important clues today. I needed time to think about them, go over what we’d heard, and think about what it meant. I knew the answer was in there somewhere. I just didn’t think it was Ricky Roberts.
30
Fiona dropped us off at the end of Chalk Gap high street to go to Mum and Dad’s. I asked her not to drive to the pub, otherwise Mum would have surely invited her to join us for Sunday lunch. That would just be too embarrassing.
As we got out of the car and Fiona drove away, I noticed someone on the high street I needed to speak to.
‘Just tell Mum I’m on the way, Noah, I just need to do something quickly.’
‘Should I come with you? Does it involve the case?’
I told him it didn’t, and he went ahead without me. I was half telling the truth; it didn’t involve the murder directly, but it was someone who had been affected by it. I stood in front of the village square and waited for him to reach me.
‘Beaumont!’ I called out as he got within hearing distance. He looked nervous as he turned his head to see who it was. He would soon have people calling his name everywhere he went; I hoped he was ready for it.
‘Sorry, Edward, I didn’t see you. I’m just heading to the beach, to clear my head a bit.’ He looked much older than his 18 years, with the weight of the world on his shoulders. ‘Is it true they arrested Ricky Roberts? The team group chat is going off.’
That didn’t take long at all; how did news always travel so fast round here? ‘Yes, it’s true.’
‘Why would he do that?’ In ten years of working at a school, I’d rarely seen a young person look so troubled. This was hitting him hard.
‘I’ll come along to the beach with you if you don’t mind and we can talk about it,’ I said in reply. As we crossed the village square, I prayed Mum wasn’t looking out of the window, trying to hunt me down for Sunday lunch.
We both took a seat on the pebbled beach, a couple of metres apart. I had a flashback to my conversation with Danny Higgins on Brighton Beach last night.
‘You were about to tell me why Roberts would kill Kieron,’ Beaumont said in a low, quiet voice.
‘He’s only been arrested. We don’t even know that he did it,’ I reminded him, and myself. I’d been thinking it over since Noah said he thought Roberts didn’t do it. I wasn’t sure.
‘The boys in the chat think he didn’t do it. They’re all saying he’s a prat with a big mouth, but he can’t be a murderer.’
‘And what do you think?’ I asked.
He looked straight ahead of us. ‘Apparently Kieron knew some stuff about Roberts, and maybe that’s why the police suspect him.’
I was pleased the bit about the wire cutters hadn’t got out, at least.
‘But what if it’s something else?’ he said. ‘I heard what Roberts said straight after Ellie’s revelation. I stood next to him. All the stuff about playing for the wrong side. And I saw the video. Where he said he won’t play with a gayboy.’
‘He said that when he was drunk,’ I started, before realising I wasn’t about to defend homophobic idiocy. ‘Which is still disgusting. But it doesn’t make him a killer.’
‘Yeah, and he was probably even more drunk when he cut those brakes. He was with me at the bar knocking back shot after shot. And the police don’t arrest people for no reason.’
‘It has been known before,’ I said, suppressing a laugh. But I knew what he meant. If Roberts was innocent, how was his DNA on those wire cutters?
‘I’ve watched that YouTube video again and again. Yes, he was drunk, but there was so much hatred. It felt like he meant it, that he really would quit if someone on his team was gay.’
I could see that this was really playing on his mind. And I could understand why, having to deal with all of this at 18 while starting his own career. But this felt like something more than this.
I recalled Kat’s text from last night: ‘we’re really worried about him. Last night hit him hard. He’s not sure this is the career for him. And neither are we, wish I could say more but I can’t atm.’
Then I realised something. Patrick had mentioned it briefly, but I hadn’t dwelled on it. Homophobia wasn’t the only potential hate problem in football: there was also racism.
I knew it had been a problem for years; I’d seen the news and Patrick had also told me many stories of racist incidents on the pitch. If the bigot minority could have a problem with sexuality, they could also have a problem with race.
‘I know what you’re worried about, Beaumont. I don’t know what to say. I can’t tell you it won’t be a problem, because it might be. But the one difference I see between your case and Kieron’s: lots of players are treading the same path as you, fighting the same fight. And the very vast majority of your peers will have your back. You can do this.’
He looked puzzled. ‘Oh, you’re talking about racism. I’ve dealt with that my entire life, I’m ready for that.’
Now it was my turn. ‘Oh sorry, I don’t understand then.’
He took a deep breath and spoke. ‘Lots of players are treading the same path as me regarding my race. But there was only one player treading the same path as me. And someone murdered him for it.’
Beaumont Albright wasn’t worried about racism. He was worried about being a gay footballer.
31
‘I came out to my family nearly two years ago, a little after I’d finished all my GCSE exams. I didn’t see it as a big deal, really. Not at first. I’d already told my best mates, and they thought it was cool. It was just a part of who I am, and is anyone really that fussed these days? That’s what I thought, anyway.’
I felt for him and wished he could still have that perspective. ‘But this has changed your mind.’
He scoffed. ‘No, long before that. As my football careers took shape, I noticed stuff. Comments on social media, the homophobic stuff that the Brighton team get sometimes. Then I did some research. The same stuff that Noah read off to us the night Kieron died, about the lack of openly gay players. I already knew it, but I know how matter of fact that kid is. I wanted to hear it in the worst light. But it was too much for me.’
I remembered how he left the room upset, and Kat went after him. ‘Does Kat know?’
His face lit up. ‘Yeah, she’s amazing. She said I should make history. She still says it, despite everything with Kieron.’
That was Kat. She was always a fantastic person to have in your corner. Then I remembered her text again: ‘he’s not sure… and neither are we.’
If even Kat, who fought back against everything, was doubting whether he should carry on in football, it must be bad. ‘Did you regret coming out then, once you saw things like that?’
‘Yes, and no. I could never not be who I am. I’ve been out with one or two guys already and it feels like the most natural thing in the world. But it made me think about my career in football. When Beachy Head signed me, I just thought it will be okay. Cross that bridge later. But I wasn’t expecting that bridge to be burned on my first official night with the club.’
‘What about your mum?’
He released a big smile. ‘Ah, Edward, she’s been amazing, man. Always has been from the day I told her. She said she always knew and always loved me. It’s her that makes me want to carry on and do this despite everything. I want to buy her a big house she can retire in.’
As he spoke, something clicked inside me. A thought I had, that if I was right, it changed everything we thought we knew about Kieron’s murder.
I reprocessed everything I’d heard over the last two days, reframing certain comments in
the light of my theory. I didn’t even realise how long I’d been thinking in silence until Beaumont spoke.
‘Edward, are you okay, man? You’re miles away.’
I went to answer, but I was interrupted by my phone ringing. It was probably Mum telling me off about being late to Sunday lunch. But it wasn’t. I saw the name on my phone: Appleby.
Did he have the same breakthrough I just did? I answered the phone to find out, nearly forgetting that Beaumont was with me.
‘Edward, I need you to get to Eastbourne DGH as soon as you can. I need your help.’
‘My help at the hospital? What’s happened?
‘Danny Higgins has taken an overdose. He’s in a bad way.’
‘Oh my god,’ I heard Beaumont say next to me. I wasn’t using the speaker phone, but Appleby didn’t need it.
‘I know why he’s done it,’ I blurted.
‘Yeah, I thought you might. I know you were with him quite a while after that incident in Brighton last night. I want your account of what he said to you. It might help me if we get to interview him.’
‘Interview him?’ I ignored the ominous word if.
‘Yes, mate. I mean, we’ve got Roberts so I don’t know what’s going on, but the paramedics said he just kept repeating the same thing over and over.’
I had a feeling I knew what it was.
‘He kept saying I killed him.’
32
‘I’ll drive you. My car’s parked outside Mum’s surgery.’
Beaumont and I rushed through the square as I realised how difficult it was to keep up pace with a young footballer. We’d barely left the beach before I could feel a stitch starting.
We’d just reached Chalk Gap high street when I heard a voice shouting. ‘Edward, wait, wait for me!’
I was glad of the excuse to stop running. ‘Noah, what are you doing?’
‘I was looking out of the window for you and I saw you both run past. It looked exciting.’ He turned to Beaumont, who was a few steps in front of us. ‘You’re not the killer, are you?’
Beaumont didn’t look impressed. ‘Of course I’m not. Why would you say that?’
‘You were running away, and it looked like Edward was chasing after you. I thought he might try to make a citizen’s arrest.’
I explained to him what really happened as we carried on towards the car, and of course he wanted to come. ‘I knew there was another twist to this, Ricky Roberts’ arrest was far too simple. Let’s find out the truth.’
‘Why would Danny kill him?’ Beaumont asked me as we got in the car.
‘I don’t know for sure yet,’ I replied. I didn’t. I just hoped Danny pulled through, so there wasn’t another life lost. And maybe then we could get his story, to finally get the truth.
‘Linda’s ringing me,’ Noah announced from the back seat as we set off.
‘Mum? Put her on speakerphone, I need to speak to her.’
He did so, and I heard her voice straightaway, not even waiting to say hello. ‘Noah, what is going on? Why did you run out of the pub without saying? What about your Sunday dinner?’
‘Hi Mum, it’s me. I’m with Noah, you’re on speaker phone. Just so you know, Beaumont Albright is with us, he can hear you.’
‘Edward? Edward, now you listen here, I don’t know what’s going on but your dad works hard on this Sunday dinner every week. It’s the one thing we ask of you every week, the one thing.’ She paused, as if only just realising what I’d told her. ‘Sorry, did you say Beaumont Albright?’
‘Yes, Mum,’ I replied.
‘Hello, Mrs Crisp,’ he said as he drove.
‘Casper, Casper, they’re with Beaumont Albright,’ we heard her say to Dad in a failed attempt at a whisper, before continuing in a voice fit for the Queen. ‘Hello Beaumont, my darling. I’m ever so sorry to disturb you. I was just checking my boys were okay and returning to our Sunday luncheon. If you are available, there will be a seat free at our table reserved for you forthwith.’
All three of us sniggered before Beaumont looked at me in confusion what to say back. I spoke for him.
‘Sorry Mum, it’s an emergency. Beaumont is giving us a lift somewhere.’
‘To the hospital,’ Noah announced dramatically. I wasn’t going to tell her the destination, for reasons that will be apparent in a couple of seconds.
‘The hospital? The hospital! Oh my God, what’s wrong, Edward, what’s wrong? Are you okay, do you need me there? You know I’m always there for you.’
‘Mum, mum, no, listen, I’m fine,’ I tried to explain over her. ‘It’s nothing for you to worry about, something I’m helping Appleby with. Listen, though, I need to ask you something. It’s really important.’
That got her to listen. ‘Yes, of course, anything. What is it?’
I knew it was a strange question, but I had to check my theory. ‘Mum, when Alfie came out to you, did you already know? Did you always know he was gay?’
Mum, for once, went quiet. I waited a few moments. ‘Mum, did you hear me? Are you there?’
‘Hi Edward, yes, she’s here. We all heard you, we’re all at the table. What’s going on?’
I wasn’t expecting Alfie himself to answer. ‘Sorry, Alfie, I know what I asked must seem weird. But it’s for the Kieron Juniper case. I promise it’s important, I’ll explain later.’
The line went quiet, and I could hear murmured whispers for a few seconds before anyone spoke. ‘Hello, Edward, it’s Mum again. I don’t really understand but I’ll answer your question.’
I felt bad at rehashing this for both Mum and Alfie like this. But I needed to prove something. ‘Sorry Mum, I only need a yes or no, that’s all. Did you always know Alfie was gay?’
‘Yes, love, the answer’s yes. Yes, I always knew he was gay.’
That was the answer I expected. ‘Thank you, Mum. Now Dylan, I hope you don’t mind me asking you the same question. Did your mum always know you were gay?’
‘For God’s sake, Edward!’ Alfie shouted. He sounded furious. In all fairness, I was on sensitive ground. Dylan had only come out last year, and it was a tough time for him.
‘He’s lost the plot,’ I heard Dad say.
‘I’m sorry, he’s not answering that,’ Alfie said firmly.
‘Yes I am, it’s fine,’ Dylan spoke up. ‘Hi Edward, I’m not sure why you need to know, but I trust you so it must be important.’
‘No, you don’t need to do this,’ I heard Alfie say. ‘Edward, you know how difficult it was for Dylan to tell his mum.’
I did. His mum was a strict catholic, and fear of how she might react kept him in the closet until his mid-twenties.
‘Yes, it was difficult,’ Dylan said. ‘But that was because of my hang-ups, not Mum’s. She was brilliant. And yes, Edward, she said she always knew deep down. And she didn’t care, she said she still loved me the same.’
Again, this was the answer I wanted to get. Even Dylan’s mum always knew he was gay, despite it clashing with her strict Catholic views. I said goodbye to my confused and slightly bemused family, promising again to explain later.
‘What was all that about?’ Beaumont asked from the driver’s seat. Having just told me about his own coming out, he must have wondered what on earth I was doing.
‘You don’t have to worry about the reason for Kieron’s murder,’ I told him. ‘It definitely wasn’t because of homophobia.’
‘What do you mean, how can you know that?’ he asked in confusion.
‘Easily. Because Kieron wasn’t gay.’
33
I knew something didn’t sit right with the things I’d heard in the last couple of days. It was only once Beaumont spoke about his mum’s support I realised what it was: Kieron’s mum said she had no clue he was gay, and still didn’t believe it.
When Beaumont said his Mum always knew, it made me think. Why didn’t Kieron’s? That’s when I started thinking, what actual evidence did we have that he was gay? What if he wasn’t, but it had been made to
look like he was?
We had Ellie’s outing of him, which had come from Chloe, and Danny. He wasn’t in the room to confirm or deny either way.
Then we had his unused coming out statement, which I’d seen on Danny’s phone only. We had nothing to prove that Kieron actually wrote it; it could be a fake. I needed to check with Appleby or Wood if the real thing was on Kieron’s phone. I suspected it wasn’t.
We also had Ellie’s confirmation that he admitted it to her, but what did he actually say?
‘He just kept saying that it wasn’t what I thought, it was much more complex, but we should wait and talk about it at home.’ There was nothing there to say he admitted to being gay.
And there was our conversation with Kieron in the toilets when he was really upset. Again, what did he actually say?
‘What Ellie said, it ruined everything. But it’s not her fault, I can’t blame her. She only acted on what Chloe told her. I need to talk to her. Explain what’s going on.’
‘The biggest dilemma of my life. And I’ve no idea what I’m supposed to do. Do you stay true to who you are, or go through with a lie for the sake of someone else?’
‘I have to be true to myself. Even if it damages someone else. But that’s what I’m afraid of.’
None of these comments explicitly confirmed Kieron was gay. But what else could they mean? As I continued to think, I connected to other things from the last two days.
‘Everyone thinks this was because of Kieron coming out, but what if it was because of something he knew that he shouldn’t?’
‘Quite a few of the boys used to come to Kieron with their troubles off the pitch. Danny certainly did. And maybe he knew too much.’
‘There’s a lot you don’t know about me: the life I lead and the things I’ve done. Not everyone would think I’m a very nice person.’
Most of it made sense now.
Kieron wasn’t the gay player hiding in the closet. Danny was.
And it had been the reason for Kieron’s murder.