Frances nodded. "So now what?" Are we looking for a youngster?"
"Or a woman. Don't forget the footprints on the inside of the van doors. They're not Gavin's."
Frances nodded again. "But there were no identifying marks on the footprints."
"Maybe not, but they were a size 5 not a size 9. We need to speak to Mrs May."
Almost two hours later, Adam and Frances pulled up outside the quaint dormer bungalow in Surrey.
Adam rapped on the lounge window with his keys after the knock on the door went unanswered.
A dog barked and then a small, grey-haired woman opened the door.
"Mrs May?" Adam said, holding up his badge.
She nodded, confusion flashing across her face.
"DI Adam Stanley and DS Holly Frances. Can we have a chat?"
She nodded and stepped backwards, allowing them to enter.
"Can I get you a cup of tea, Detectives?" she asked.
"That's kind of you. We've had a long drive and I'm parched," Adam said, bending slightly. Always conscious of his size in small spaces, he knew he intimidated people, so he tried to make himself appear … less.
They followed her into the kitchen and she offered them a seat at the dining table.
Once she'd established how they took their tea, she filled the kettle and sat down herself.
"So what can I do for you, Detectives?"
"We are with the CID investigating your husband's case," Adam said.
She nodded.
"No doubt you’re aware Gavin’s confessed to all three murders."
She nodded again. "Yes, I was told."
"The thing is, Mrs May, we don't believe he's guilty."
Her eyebrows furrowed and her head snapped back. "Really?"
"What can you tell me about your husband, Mrs May?"
"Melissa, please. Erm … He was always a good husband. We've been married for almost thirty years and never had any trouble until recently."
"Are you referring to the HIV?"
"Yes, I am."
"That must have been a terrible shock," Adam said.
Melissa glanced down at her hands and began picking at her thumbnail. "I was devastated," she whispered.
"If you don't mind me saying, Melissa, most woman would be long gone by now," Frances said. "Myself included. It takes a very special person to forgive their partner after thirty years of betrayal."
“He told you?” Melissa whispered.
Frances nodded.
"I haven't forgiven him," Melissa spat. "I didn't know what to do and I couldn't bear to think of my daughters finding out. I think he's disgusting."
Frances nodded and got up the finish the tea.
"Oh, thanks," Melissa said. "I had to tell them in the end. Everyone will know soon, won't they?"
"I’m afraid so." Adam nodded. She wasn't as old as he'd first thought, maybe late forties, early fifties. Her grey hair made him think she was much older when he first met her.
"If somebody told me last week that the HIV would be the least of our worries, I would have laughed in their face," Melissa said.
"I can imagine. What are your thoughts on the murders?"
"I'm still in shock. He's never been a violent man, always had the gift of the gab. He would, and could, talk himself out of any situation. Murder seems too far-fetched for him. I don't believe he's guilty."
Frances placed the cups on the table. "Can I use your bathroom, Mrs May?"
Melissa nodded, wrapping her hands around the cup. "Of course. It's the first door on the left past the staircase."
Frances left the room.
Melissa turned back to Adam. "Why did he confess if he's innocent?"
Adam shrugged.
"I've come to the conclusion, thirty long years or not, that I don't think I know my husband very well."
Once Frances returned, Adam pulled the plastic bag containing the cap from his jacket pocket. "Do you recognise this, Melissa?" He smiled.
She hesitated before taking the bag from him, nodding. "Yes, Gavin's cap."
"Did you ever wear it?"
She shook her head. "No, I … oh, wait a minute, yes I did. We went to a firework display a while ago and Gavin insisted. Why?"
"No real reason." He smiled again.
They made small talk for a few minutes while he and Frances drank their tea.
"Thanks for your help, Melissa." Adam drained his cup and got up to leave. Frances did the same.
"One last thing, Melissa." Adam paused in the doorway. "Did you visit Gavin yet?"
She nodded. "At the court yesterday. My daughters are visiting him today."
"How did he seem?"
"Sad. Lost. I hated seeing him like that," she said. "It would be much easier if he were dead."
The front door shut behind them. Adam glanced at Frances as they walked to the car. "She did it."
"What? How do you know?" Frances screwed her face up, shaking her head.
"Trust me. I'm positive."
"She's too fragile. Surely she can't be strong enough to commit those murders?"
"Not necessarily, Frances. Adrenalin would kick in and provide the additional strength needed." They spoke over the top of the car.
Frances blew out her cheeks and bent to get into the passenger seat.
Adam slid in beside her and banged the heels of his hands on the steering wheel.
"What are you thinking?" Frances asked.
"Why else would Gavin change his plea straight after she saw him?"
"Guilt! Maybe she shamed him into confessing."
"Bullshit. He knows she did it and would rather take the rap than see her banged up."
"A bit hard to believe if you ask me, boss." She shrugged.
He exhaled as he leaned his head on the headrest. After a few silent minutes he sat up straight, shook himself and turned the key in the ignition.
"Right. We need to go back to the beginning, except this time we need Mrs May in the frame. She's bound to have slipped up somewhere," he said.
Adam pulled his car into the station car park, surprised they were back already. He glanced at Frances, who had been silent for most of the journey.
"Penny for them," he said.
"I'm still trying to get my head around what you said. I can't see how that little lady is capable of murder."
"Don't underestimate her, Frances. That's the worst mistake we could make."
"I'm not. She just seemed so normal."
"Think about what she's been through in the past few weeks—it's enough to rock anyone's world."
Frances nodded. "I guess. And I did notice a pair of size five shoes when I went to the toilet."
"I'm telling you, Frances. She's our killer."
"Okay then, first things first. We need to check her statement and verify her whereabouts at the time of each of the murders."
"Great, and I think I'll pay our Mr May another visit."
Chapter 26
Mum was getting way out of control. I’d almost died of heart failure when she blurted out Gavin should be dead. The huge detective bloke looked at me as though I'd stabbed him with a fork.
"You didn't need to say that, Mum!"
I was being honest. You should have bumped him off in the first place.
"Go away, Mother," I shouted.
After everything I've done, this is the thanks I get.
"I need to sleep." I shook my head, exhausted all of a sudden.
SLEEP THEN. WHO'S STOPPING YOU.
Her voice was so loud I thought my head might explode.
Claude howled.
And shut that fucking dog up!
I opened the back door and let Claude in. I'd put him outside when the detectives had first knocked.
Claude followed me through to the lounge and as I got on the sofa, he lay on the floor beside me.
I woke to the sounds of the girls arriving home. To my horror Claude lay on my chest. As I opened my eyes, he licked at my mouth. I almost gagged
.
I shoved at the overgrown ape before anyone discovered him up on the sofa. After moaning all week that he wasn't allowed on the furniture, I'd never live it down.
The comical looking dog hit the floor like a sack of spuds, an indignant expression on his face.
The stirrings of a giggle began in my stomach. I tried my hardest to control myself, but it formed into a full on belly laugh. I hadn't laughed in such a long time. Tears filled my eyes and the girls found me half sobbing, half laughing.
"Oh no, Mum. What's happened?" Stella ran to me trying to pull me into her arms.
I shook my head and tried to push her away. She clearly thought I was crying, which made me laugh even harder.
Regaining control, I glanced at the girls and all three of them stood in front of me, their eyes wide and mouths agape.
"What the hell just happened?" Stella asked.
My shoulders began shaking again. My stomach spasmed, preventing me from breathing properly and a high pitched, unintelligible sound escaped me.
Stella realised I was laughing and spun away, leaving the room in obvious disgust. I figured the meeting with Gavin hadn't gone well. Stella's reaction made Tina and Yvonne crack up laughing and I had another uncontrollable fit of laughter.
Once we'd all calmed down, I wiped my eyes on the sleeve of my top. "How's your dad?"
"He wouldn't see us," Yvonne said.
"Doesn’t surprise me after yesterday. He's a proud man and thinks the world of you girls."
“I understand. It stings though. Especially with him knowing how far we travelled today. He could have given us a couple of minutes. Stella's taken it badly,"
"We need to respect his wishes."
Yvonne nodded.
Tina went in search of Stella, but Claude stayed by my side.
"Are you gonna let me in on the joke?" Yvonne said.
I shook my head. My stomach bounced again as I replayed it in my mind. My breath came out like Muttley from The Wacky Races and I had to force myself to calm down.
"I woke up to find Claude on the sofa with me."
Her eyes opened so wide I thought they might pop. "Mother!"
"I didn't know, I was asleep. But it was funny."
Yvonne laughed. "Stella would insist he sleeps in bed with her if she knew."
"Which is why I launched the poor dog halfway across the room when I realised." I laughed.
"How did your day go?"
I considered telling her about my visitors, but changed my mind.
"Quiet, nothing to report. I had a good sleep and I feel a lot better, to be honest."
"I am glad. What do you fancy for dinner?"
I glanced at the clock—four-thirty.
"We're going for a walk later."
Claude sat up and began to growl.
"We?"
"Me and Claude, I meant." I smiled.
I opened the wardrobe door, looking to change my outfit.
Wear dark clothes.
I've got none.
You must own something, you're being awkward.
I'm being awkward! You had no right to speak to Vonny like that earlier. They already think I'm crackers without you talking about us as we.
We are we.
To us we are. Not to anyone else. Now we're gonna have to take the bloody dog with us and he can’t stand you.
He'll give us a good reason to be in the park.
I shook my head as I pulled on a pair of dark blue jeans, a red jersey and short black boots. After rummaging about in the hall cupboard, I found a lightweight, navy blue anorak.
As I walked into the kitchen, Claude began to growl.
Piss off, Mother.
"Come on Claude, let’s go for a walk.” I pulled the anorak over my head, leaving the hood up.
"Is it going to rain, Mel?" Tina appeared behind me.
"Not sure, but best to be safe than sorry."
"I guess so. Claudie, what's wrong with you?"
"I don't think he likes my hood," I said. "Come on silly sausage. Shall we go for a run?"
Claude made a low continual rumbling sound.
"You're spoiling him you know, two big walks in a row. He doesn't get much exercise at home."
"Oh well, at least he slept last night. We both did." I clipped Claude's lead in place. He still grumbled at me.
Tina left the room.
Get a knife.
Claude barked.
Oh, Mum, be quiet. Claude can sense you're here.
Get a knife then, a big one.
I glanced over my shoulder to make sure I was still alone, and opened the utensil drawer. I found a medium sized knife, the blade approximately one inch wide and five inches long. I slid it up the sleeve of my anorak.
"Come on, boy." We slipped out the back door.
Although already dark, the stars were out in force, plus the street lights lit up the main walkways.
We walked to the park, approximately a mile or so away. I had no idea what I would do once we arrived, but the way I felt, it wouldn't be much.
You will have to be fast. No mucking around.
Claude yelped and whined, then looked up at me with huge brown eyes.
"You're okay, Claude."
I just want to check him out, Mum. Let’s play it by ear, shall we?
I'm sure you live in la-la land, Melissa. You need to do this.
No, I don't. He's not my husband. I've done my duty and got Gavin off the streets.
But his disease is still rife. I'm sick and tired of arguing with you. I'll do what's needed.
The familiar shroud of numbness descended over me. It felt nice, comforting, like slipping into a pair of well-worn slippers. By the time we were halfway to the park, Mum was in total control.
***
Brett Graham had had one of those days when the universe seemed to be in cahoots with the devil, trying every little thing to prevent him being on time.
Caroline, his wife, woke up with a toothache and had been impossible all day. And today happened to be his only day off in a fortnight.
They had got married around ten years ago. Neither of them were happy anymore. Caroline was a domineering woman and he would have left her years ago if only he possessed a pair of balls. They also had their two children to consider, Sally aged nine and eight-year-old Tom.
Caroline and Sally, who clashed at the best of times, had a massive fight as soon as Sally arrived home from school.
Tom loved visiting his grandparents, but Sally, at that age where only mates are cool, said old people were boring and she didn't want to go to a fossil's birthday party. The cause of the argument.
Brett had been sat on the toilet, minding his own business, when the fight began. He cringed at Caroline's screeching, over-the-top voice. Half-way down the stairs, he heard a loud slap and Sally, sobbing her little heart out, ran past him and up to her room holding her hand to her face.
He didn't agree with smacking the children, but Caroline didn't listen. Her upbringing had been different from his. She insisted it never did her any harm, and couldn't see any problem with a short, sharp slap to the back of the legs or a swipe across the head. She made him feel sick.
After playing go-between for the best part of an hour, he convinced Sally to apologise to her mother for the sake of a quiet life. They gave each other a half-hearted hug before heading to the car, almost an hour later than planned.
And then, on the final leg of the hour long journey, they got a flat tyre.
He all but dragged Caroline and the kids out of the car when they arrived at Caroline’s parents’ house, then he drove across town like a madman.
Both he and Caroline grew up in the area and would often visit friends and family at separate times. Otherwise, they'd never get round them all.
Today he had an hour to get back before all the family arrived to sing happy birthday to the old fart.
Caroline thought he'd arranged to meet up with Harvey, his best friend from school. Harvey had r
ecently split up with his wife and it had hit him hard. Caroline wasn't a great fan of Harvey and was more than happy for Brett to visit alone. The plan had been to visit Harvey before his meeting with Gavin. At least then, he'd have some real answers to Caroline's fifty questions on the way home. He wouldn't have time for that now. He was already running late.
Pulling his car up outside the main entrance to the park, he wandered in and towards the toilet block, a couple of minutes’ walk from the gate.
As he approached, he expected to see Gavin standing around waiting for him, especially because he was a few minutes late himself, but Gavin was nowhere to be seen.
Brett shivered, wishing he'd grabbed his jacket from the car.
After checking Gavin wasn't waiting inside the gents, he stepped back outside and almost jumped out of his skin as a woman appeared. She was dressed in dark clothing and walking a jet black dog.
"Evening," he smiled. He was surprised a woman would be out in the park at night.
She smiled back and headed towards the ladies. The dog growled at him. He watched as she tied the lanky thing up to the bench outside.
Walking towards the main path, he glanced up and down. Maybe Gavin got sick of waiting and had already left, but he wasn’t that late, ten minutes at the most.
He checked his phone as he turned back towards the toilet block and he came face to face with the same woman, minus the dog.
"Oh, sorry," he said, noticing the unnatural brightness of her eyes. Feeling an almighty punch to the chest, he staggered backwards a few steps.
It seemed as though the world had slowed to a fraction of its usual speed. The woman stood still, unmoving, staring with those strange bright eyes.
He glanced down. He couldn't work out what was protruding from his chest. He reached up and touched it as his knees gave way, and he sank to the ground.
He glanced back at the strange unmoving woman. As he felt the life ooze from him, he saw her smile.
Chapter 27
Gavin May seemed even more on edge than yesterday. One leg crossed over the other, twitching continually, and he chewed on his thumb-nail.
He sighed as Adam walked into the room.
"What now? I've told you everything. What more do you want from me?"
"You and I both know that's utter crap, Gavin." Adam took a seat opposite him in the small room.
Psychological Thriller Series: Adam Stanley Boxed Set: Behind Shadows, Positively Murder and Mind Bender Page 37