by Mel Sherratt
‘You saw the incident?’ Grace queried.
‘No, I just saw the boy on the ground afterwards. I was too busy trying to see what the noise was about. There seemed to be some kind of fight and I was worried about my car. It’s always getting vandalised down there. Still, that’s nothing compared to the poor boy’s injuries. I wish I had paid more attention.’
‘Yes, it’s tragic,’ Grace empathised. ‘Is there anything else you can recall?’
He paused to think. ‘There was a young boy who came screeching in on his bike.’
‘A motorcycle or a pushbike?’
‘Pushbike. A red one, like a BMX or something similar. Red helmet too, I saw him skid to a halt. He was still for a moment and then he turned around and tore out of the car park.’
Grace nodded. ‘Can you describe the boy for me?’
‘I’d say early teens. He was small, but he had his scarf wrapped around his mouth. It’s so cold out there, and so slippy underfoot. I nearly came a cropper yesterday.’
Grace smiled in sympathy. ‘Have you seen the boy before?’
‘A few times. He goes to see that Forrester lad.’
Grace’s eyes narrowed at the mention of the name. Seth Forrester was someone she had warned her half-niece, Megan, away from last year, after finding out he was trouble.
‘Do you know what number he lives at?’
‘Somewhere on the other side of floor one at the end, I think. It hasn’t been the same since he moved in a few months ago. He has a lot of visitors.’
‘Oh?’
‘Several men and boys come to the property. And I don’t mean he’s a pimp either.’
‘You think he’s dealing?’
‘He’s up to something.’ He coughed to clear his throat. ‘Not that you heard that from me.’
‘Of course not.’ Grace nodded in understanding. ‘Do you know his name, the boy on the bike?’
‘No, sorry. Although there’s a lad who calls often and his name is something like Cain or Kyle.’
Grace took a moment to gather her thoughts while she wrote a few words in her notepad. It was interesting to hear about the visitors to Seth Forrester, something she could look into at a later date. She’d only met Forrester a couple of times but didn’t care for him at all.
‘You said you’ve lived here a long time?’ She got back on track again.
Derek nodded. ‘Twelve years.’
‘Do you know the parents of the little boy?’
‘I see them around, say hello, that kind of thing. They look decent enough, and the kids are nice. The young girl is really pleasant and good mannered. The boy is a bit of a handful but they are at that age, aren’t they? My great-grandson is two and a half and just the same.’
Grace sniffed as the smell of cats began to get to her.
‘Do you ever see anything that you perhaps feel uncomfortable mentioning? Like maybe both of them going out together, perhaps the children left alone?’
‘That wouldn’t go down well with the folks here. They mostly keep themselves to themselves but they’d grass for something like that.’ He shook his head. ‘But they don’t strike me as the type. You can often get a sense of a person after one or two meets, even casually.’
‘And you’ve seen no one around acting suspiciously lately? Apart from visitors to Seth Forrester’s flat.’
‘Nothing any different from usual. You know these flats. Everything goes on but no one sees anything. But this …’ He shuddered.
She closed her notepad and stood up. ‘Thanks for the information. I may need you to come to the station and give a statement too.’
He nodded. ‘I’m tired of certain people bringing this area down. We’re not all bad.’
‘We don’t all tar you with the same brush.’
‘Maybe. I just hope I don’t get a clout for sticking my nose in.’
‘Please contact me if you feel threatened in any way.’ Grace handed him a card with her details on it.
‘As if that’s going to defend me from fists and boots,’ he joked.
Grace smiled as she showed herself out. The public – a copper’s best friend sometimes and worst enemy at others. Thankfully she had come out of the chat with some intel. She’d pass on the information about Seth Forrester and also ask Sam to check out the CCTV again for her. The lad on the bike could be a potential witness.
2011
Ruby was spending more and more time with Finn. She had started to pull away from her friends, much to Naomi’s annoyance. Sometimes Ruby missed her company; other times she just wanted to be with Finn. So when she was with Naomi now, although she enjoyed it, she could sense they were growing apart. She wondered if this was something that would have happened eventually anyway.
After sixth form, she’d gone home to the flat and prepared a meal with Finn. With limited time as he was due at work, they showered together and hopped into bed. Their lovemaking had improved over the time they’d been together. Ruby had come out of her shell, trying things she’d never dared to think of doing up until now. Finn was always gentle with her, teaching her what he enjoyed and learning how she liked it.
But once they were back in the living room, his mood had turned sombre. ‘I need to talk to you,’ he said.
Ruby had news too, but she didn’t know how to tell him. She wasn’t sure how he would react. So she let him go first.
‘You’re at my flat permanently now. Well, I have to tell you about a few people I’m trying to stay away from.’
She looked at him with a frown. ‘Stay away from?’
‘You know you don’t like some of the men who come to visit me.’
Ruby nodded. She didn’t like any of them, if truth be told. They always seemed to be either leering at her or having a go at Finn.
‘Well, I … I’m a member of a gang.’ He seemed to spit it out, as if he were afraid to say it aloud. ‘I’ve been trying to leave for a while now but they won’t let me.’
‘I don’t understand.’
‘I’ve done some bad things in my past, Rube. I’m not proud of them but I want out now. It started when I was twelve but now I’m nearly twenty, it’s not something I want to be involved with any more. I’m older and wiser and now I have you, I want to live a good life. Not one full of violence and—’
‘Violence?’ Ruby pulled her head back.
He leaned forwards and planted a kiss on her forehead, as if to negate what he’d said. ‘I started hanging around at my local park, you know the one across the grass from my flat? I was lured in by some of the older kids. They told me how much money they were making delivering and collecting packages.’
‘You mean drugs?’ Ruby suddenly began to feel uncomfortable. It was as if her bubble was about to burst. She knew she and Finn were too much of a dream come true.
He nodded. ‘I’m ashamed to admit it, but that was only one of the things I’d do. The older recruits would buy us things – T-shirts, watches, phones, bikes. Then when they had you, you had to do jobs for them and they’d give you money until you were under their control. We also had to dish out violence to anyone who crossed the leader. His name is Dane and he’s the worst of the lot. He’s beat people up, glassed some in their faces; done worse than that to others. That’s why I’m telling you all of this. Because he knows I want to leave and he’s been having a go at me for it.’
‘Why don’t you go to the police?’
He shook his head. ‘You don’t get the feds involved, Rube. That would land me in even more trouble.’
‘But he can’t be allowed to rule you. Okay, you were into all that stuff when you were younger but you should be able to leave whenever you want.’
‘It doesn’t work like that. Dane gets pissed off when anyone tries to. He says we should work for him forever, like we’re family. I’ve tried to get away several times but he always pulls me back. He says I’ll owe him forever, which is ridiculous. But if I don’t do as he says, he’ll send people after me.’
&nbs
p; ‘To hurt you?’ Ruby was scared now.
‘Yes. I don’t know what to do. I really want to leave.’
‘Can’t you just keep away?’
‘I can try but he’ll come after me.’
‘Then I’ll protect you.’ It was a silly thing to say but she didn’t know what else she could offer.
‘If you stay with me, it might get a bit tough until I can cut ties completely.’ He cupped her chin with his hand. ‘I’m not sure I can handle you being caught up in that.’
‘Are you saying that we have to end?’ Ruby sat up with a gasp. He was the best thing that had ever happened to her. She couldn’t lose him.
‘No,’ he cried. ‘I’m just saying we have to be careful. He might come after you to get back at me. Or he might just have a go at me. I need you to know that I’m trying my best to get out. It’s time for me to grow up. I want to be with you, have a normal life.’
Ruby sat still, quiet while she took everything in. Finn was her dream man, her one love, but all that could change in the blink of an eye. Here he was sounding as if he wanted to settle down with her, and she should be happy. But inside, she was terrified and wondering what she was getting herself into. Did she love him enough to stand by him? She looked at him now as he gazed out of the window, thinking of their situation no doubt.
Yes, she did. She would see this through. It was time to tell him her own news.
‘Finn,’ she said, taking a deep breath. ‘I’m pregnant.’
He turned to her sharply. The look on his face changed three times in as many seconds – shock, amazement and then a smile. He came across to her and took her hands, pulling her up and into his arms.
‘That is about the best news I can have.’ Finn hugged her tightly, almost slow dancing with her. ‘I have to get away from him. My responsibility from now on is you, and our little bean.’ He waited for her to look up at him. ‘You’ve just made me the proudest man on earth.’
They were the words she wanted to hear. Ruby had been so nervous about telling him. They’d planned to start a family but not until later, not until they were married. Now she couldn’t wait to have his baby. They would move if necessary to get him away from Dane. Finn was clever enough to get another job somewhere else. She wouldn’t mind that. A chance to start again somewhere; an opportunity to raise the family she longed to have.
SIXTEEN
Shelley had just made a cup of tea when there was a knock at her door. She opened it to find a man in a navy jacket and smart dark jeans, with short red hair. Even if she hadn’t recognised him as the woman’s sidekick, he had cop written all over him. The woman wanted everyone to join in her meetings and become friends. Like that was ever going to happen in Harrison House. Still, it was nice of her to think of trying, she supposed. Most people in authority seemed to have given up on them.
‘DC Higgins, Staffordshire Police.’ He held up his warrant card. ‘We’re looking into an incident that happened last night. Wondered if you saw anything?’
‘You mean the commotion in the car park?’
He frowned.
‘It sounded like some kids were having an argument, lots of shouting but I didn’t see anything.’ Then it dawned on her. ‘Oh, you’re talking about what happened to little Tyler.’
‘Yes. Did you see anything?’
‘Not until after it had happened. I came onto the walkway when I heard the sirens but he was on the grass then. It wasn’t nice to see, although I’m glad it wasn’t concrete he landed on.’
‘And there was no one else around but the parents?’
Shelley paused. ‘I did see someone running across the green. A man, I think. I’m not sure if he had anything to do with it, though.’
‘Was that from the commotion in the car park, do you think?’
She shrugged. ‘It could be.’
‘Did you see what he looked like?’
Shelley shook her head. ‘He was too far away.’
‘Where did you see him?’
She pointed over his shoulder. ‘He ran towards the main road.’
She waited as he wrote in his notebook. Then she smiled at him as he looked at her again.
‘Do you know the parents?’ he asked next.
‘Ruby is a friend of mine. We have coffee every now and then.’ She paused. ‘What are you fishing for? They’re good people. Their kids are always playing out on the walkway. Not downstairs on the grass where most parents dump theirs and don’t care if they can’t see them to keep an eye on them. Ruby is a good mum.’
‘And Lily?’ He took more notes. ‘What’s she like?’
‘She’s lovely. Such a sweet girl, quite shy really. Nothing like I was at her age, I can tell you.’ She grinned but it wasn’t returned. ‘They’re good parents,’ she said again.
He gave her a nod and then closed his notepad. ‘Thanks. You live here alone, do you?’
‘Why? Do you want to come in for a … coffee?’
It was fun to see him blush at her intense stare.
‘I wanted to know if there was anyone else I could chat to.’
She tutted. ‘It’s not my flat. It’s my fella’s.’ She turned away from him and shouted. ‘Seth.’
‘What do you want?’ he said as he joined them.
‘Police are here, wanting to know if you saw the incident that happened last night.’
‘Or even what happened in the car park.’ DC Higgins raised his eyebrows in question.
‘I was at work.’
‘What time would that be?’
‘I told you. I saw nothing. Now, if you don’t mind, we’re busy.’ He closed the door in the officer’s face.
‘What did you do that for?’ Shelley snapped as she followed him back into the living room. ‘He seemed really nice.’
‘He’s a fed. We don’t trust any of them.’
‘You don’t, more like. I’ve never had any trouble with them.’
‘And what were you telling him about the car park for? The less people know about that the better.’ He grabbed her by the arm, his fingers digging into her flesh.
She squealed. ‘Let me go!’
‘If I find out you’ve been saying things you shouldn’t—’
‘I haven’t said anything.’ Shelley shrugged off his grip and marched into the kitchen with a slam of the door. She rubbed at her arm where he had manhandled her. Then she lit a cigarette. Stuff her no smoking indoors rule. She needed one to calm down. The bastard couldn’t treat her like that.
It was so hard, getting enough information for Eddie Steele so that he’d wipe her debt clean. Seth wasn’t that bright but he didn’t let her in on anything. In the meantime, she had to put up with his moods, the occasional burst of a hot temper, and his paranoia.
She wished she could walk out right now, but she’d give Seth his comeuppance one day.
Grace waved Frankie over and he joined her.
‘Anything?’ she asked.
‘Not unless you can count Seth Forrester slamming the door in my face.’ He rolled his eyes. ‘I thought he lived here somewhere but a woman answered the door. I was chatting to her and then she tells me that it wasn’t her flat and that he’s in. He didn’t want to speak to me though. Said he saw nothing.’ He smirked. ‘Tosser.’
‘Indeed.’
‘A couple of people mentioned a commotion in the car park, which seems to have been separate to the fall. From what I can gather it could be kids just mucking around screaming. Oh, and the woman in Forrester’s flat said she saw someone running along the path.’
‘Any description?’
He shook his head. ‘She wasn’t sure where he came from either. I’ll check it out, though. How about you?’
‘Same about the commotion, plus a young lad pedalling away on a bike. Could be something to do with either incident. Also, Forrester’s having a lot of visitors, apparently.’ She threw a thumb over her shoulder. ‘I’m going to grab something to eat from the shop. Do you fancy a break?’
&
nbsp; ‘Sure.’
They took the path that led them to Ford Green Road. Grace glanced up as they went past the spot where Tyler had fallen.
‘I can’t imagine how much pain that little boy was in yesterday,’ she said. ‘It beggars belief.’
‘I can’t stop thinking about him falling either.’ Frankie thrust his hands into his pockets. ‘Even though I wasn’t there.’
‘Me too. I guess it will play on our minds for a while.’ Grace nodded. ‘Which is why we need to get to the bottom of this as soon as possible.’
SEVENTEEN
Once they’d bought lunch, they walked back and sat on the wall at the entrance. Grace looked around. If it weren’t for them being there, you’d think nothing had happened the night before. It was such a weird incident. It might never turn out to be a crime. It might always have been an accident. But getting the details that they were after would decide how the case was treated afterwards.
She always liked this stage of investigations. Trying to crack who was lying, and if so, why. People often covered for others too.
‘Bloody hell, it’s cold,’ she said, watching the icy breath from her mouth. ‘I thought January was bad but February has been worse. My bum is getting numb already.’ She pointed over to the flats. ‘If Tyler didn’t fall, I wonder if his parents are worried what he will say when he wakes up? I know he won’t be able to articulate it all, but he could be anxious.’
‘I couldn’t imagine Ben being quiet.’ Frankie sniggered. ‘He’d want to tell everyone about it, good or bad.’
Grace smiled. She could see the love he had for his child, and envy ripped through her. She’d never had the chance to have children with Matt, something they had both been looking forward to until his cancer diagnosis. Now, even with a fledgling relationship with Simon, she felt she’d missed her chance. She wasn’t secure enough with Simon, long-term enough even, to want that kind of commitment yet. And she knew he didn’t want any more children. If she stayed with him, it meant shelving any dreams of motherhood.
She often looked at other people’s children, wondering if she would ever regret missing out on the feel of her own child growing inside her. The sound of its cry as it took its first breath. She pushed the thought away, at times the intensity becoming too much.