The Judas Murders

by Bill Williams

  Chief Watkiss came in, “Home Secretary, Sir, I have read all the papers in these cases. I have liased with the investigating officers and finally conferred with the lawyers from The Crown Prosecution Service. I can announce today that the evidence is indeed very strong, not to put a finer point on it, these are open and shut cases. It will at the end of the day simply be for the court to decide the severity of the sentences.”

  The Home Secretary nodded but then said, “Well you see it is not only the police but the health services, a rogue nurse, the NHS is already being heavily criticised. Wasted time on a public enquiry there would be even more disruptive. I would suggest this and of course it is only a suggestion. Would it not be a good idea to get Mr Richards here to review the cases? He is, as we are all aware the country’s leading detective, with a record unsurpassed. It may well be an idea to have him review all the evidence, check all avenues have been covered, nothing left lurking, no surprises when it comes to the court hearing?”

  Watkiss smiled and replied, “Sir, I have already suggested Mr Richards do just that and he has in principle agreed. I was however thwarted to some degree by Sir Leighton Knox who had other plans.”

  “I say,” said Lord Claude, “really Sir Leighton this does surprise me it was my understanding when we debated in the house the provision of police commissioners that they would not take any active role in direct policing.”

  Knox made no reply when Marcus Jepson chimed in to save the day.

  “Well now, as Chief Inspector of Constabulary I earnestly suggest Chief Constable that you do consider bringing in Jack Richards. His reputation goes before him. I take it Richards you are still prepared to act?”

  Richards nodded but made no reply.

  Watkiss said, “Yes, I fully agree. If Jack Richards agrees to this I will arrange for a copy of all the papers to be handed to him. I will supply him with an experienced officer who carries police powers, to assist him. He will be given a free hand, working I suggest from his old Chester haunts, the police museum where it is quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the everyday policing.”

  “Do you agree Jack?” called Jepson.

  “I do sir; the proposal of the museum sounds just fine. If possible, may I be allocated Inspector Doris Scott-Ling. She is fully aware of all the particulars and we have worked together on several occasions. I might add that I would invoke several conditions, which must be met before I agree.”

  All now looked and Jack could see what was going through their minds, large fees, budget strains and such, they were of course wrong.

  “Pray relate these conditions,” said the Home Secretary.

  Jack did not hesitate, “they are my usual, I must have a free hand to review and then if necessary follow up any leads or points I feel appropriate. These would include seeing and interviewing any witnesses. I may require to interview the accused again, of course, in the presence of their legal representative, complying with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act. This would be to clear up ambiguity. I would require access to all police records and facilities and also the assistance of the country’s two leading forensic experts, Professors Hallam and Bolister. Finally, and this is vital, I will review all matters and any others that come before me or are revealed. I will investigate the cases fully to the best of my ability but I do so only in the interest of justice. If and when either I or the results of my enquiries are placed before the high court and in particular Lord Justice Stevens I can do so in the certain knowledge that which is so placed is impartial, truthful and as I say, in the interests of justice without fear or favour, without any political interference or pressure. Finally I would wish to answer directly to Chief Constable Watkiss, not wishing to make an issue of this, but in the past I have found some discord from current serving officers who quite frankly consider me to be and I quote what I have heard or been told, “ an interfering old bugger.” If all these conditions are met I agree to return and assist.”

  There was sighing of relief, Watkiss having read the papers was completely satisfied the evidence was clear cut, no stone appeared to have been left unturned. The Commissioner assured no large fees had been called for, Jack being on police pension had a history of working for expenses only so budgets would not be drained further. The Home Secretary felt assured and being a politician he could change the rules later no matter what assurances Richards was given.

  The heads of all present now nodding in agreement, it was a done deal. Jack Richards had once again been brought in.

  The meeting over all the visitors stood to leave when Lord St Minton called, “Mr Richards, if I might ask you to remain for a moment.”

  All momentarily stopped, but then turned and left, leaving Richards standing alone.

  “I am sorry to delay you Mr Richards but I do have something I would wish to impart to you.”

  Jack stood waiting in anticipation as his Lordship continued.

  “We all have something in our antecedents that we would rather wish to keep confidential. Lords of the realm and politicians are no different. I find this very difficult to say but I regret I must burden you with it.”

  Jack knew there was a low ball coming but all he could do was wait, the narrator was clearly finding some difficulty.

  “You see Mr Richards, my father concealed a dark secret from the outside world. He transgressed many years ago and there is no easy way to relate this. A young maid of the household, a very attractive girl and my father fell in love. The inevitable happened, the lass became pregnant. It was impossible of course in those days for the relationship to blossom. My Grandfather sent my father away into the armed forces, he served in India. The girl was dismissed of course as such misfortunate girls were in those days. My father married a lady from a nearby estate and I am one of the results of that marriage. As the years passed father took over the estate and thus he ensured that his once love and her daughter were taken care of financially. That child Mr Richards, eventually trained and became a nurse. I suspect you may now have guessed what I am about to say. Kyle Gittins as she is now known is that person. She is in fact my half sister. We both carry this secret but as far as I am aware it is known to no other, save for you now of course. If my relationship to Kyle was to become public knowledge, especially if there are public enquiries, my position here at the Home Office would be impossible and I would be obliged to resign my post. There would also be much scandal upon the remainder of my family. I fear your investigative skills and in particular your attention to detail may well reveal these matters. I would ask, if this is the case if you might use your discretion in your revelations. In addition, if in the unlikely event from what I have read you reveal any information which would indicate Kyle was not in fact guilty I would ask you to pursue this, perhaps she was forced into it by her husband.”

  Jack had the message and in his usual calm tone replied, “I will, My Lord, make all full and diligent review of the evidence and where necessary I will follow up anything I consider to have been overlooked or misinterpreted. I work only in the interests of justice; you are assured that I will reveal only that information which would fulfil this principle.

  “Thank you sir,” replied the Home Secretary. Jack left to join his party.

  Arriving outside and then on the journey homeward no-one asked the reason for his delay and confidential discussion with Lord St., Minton though it did not take a detective far below the skills of Jack Richards to see all wished to know, they never would of course not from him in any event.

  Arriving back in Chester, Watkiss arranged that Jack would commence his review the following morning. She contacted Chief Superintendent Tabo Jinton of the city division to arrange access for Jack into the museum. She instructed him to ensure the information room and other departments were updated that Jack Richards was active again and that he should receive full cooperation. She added that if operational officers found any difficulty they should contact her direct, via Jinton course and not in any manner impede Jack Richards nor
his designated officer Inspector Scott-Ling. A call to Doris from Watkiss set the seal on everything to commence the next day.

  Once at home, Richards updated his wife Anne that he would it seemed be fully engaged for a week or so, possibly longer. He added nothing further as was his policy since they had met well over forty years ago.

  He sat in his chair, a glass of sherry, Crofts Original, of course. He pondered on the details he had already read of the cases and if he was to be frank with any who asked him, which of course he never would be, it would be an admission that he was pleased to be active once again.

  The next day at nine in the morning precisely, the dark mundane figure of the man aged in his sixties wearing a trilby hat arrived at the front door of Chester Police Museum. Sergeant Ted Large was just opening the doors, a party of school children was due but not until ten o’clock.

  “Good morning Mr Richards, they mentioned you were coming in today. Your room is ready, the same one as last time, on the first floor overlooking the city centre."

  “Thank you Sergeant Large, is the key lock still the same number?”

  “It is, to be frank; no-one has been using the room since the last time you were here.”

  Richards failed to respond but walked on by and then climbed the stairs and disappeared. Arriving at the door he pressed in the code, it worked.

  He entered the room, took off his raincoat and placed his briefcase on the desk. Leaving his hat still positioned on his head he sat and waited the arrival of Doris, who he hoped would have all the case papers.

  Meanwhile, he could hear the bustle and shouting in the rooms below, clearly the school party had arrived early. He stood, walked over to the door and then changed the code in the door lock. His previous visits and experience here proved the place had to be kept secure. Large was a reputed gossip.

  It was only ten minutes before he heard the thud of heavy footsteps and voices approaching.

  “Good morning, Mr Richards,” it was Doris; she was accompanied by a tall handsome young man aged about nineteen years of age. Jack looked and instantly recognised the blue shoulder flashes and then he saw the words, Police Cadet. The arriving duo were laden down with files which they were clearly relieved to place on the table.

  “Thank you Charles,” said Doris”

  The Cadet reciprocated, “Thank you maam. Is there anything else I can assist you with?”

  “Not at the moment. I will contact you if we need further assistance. Oh, I don’t think you have met Mr Jack Richards a retired detective of New Scotland Yard, recalled once again to assist the force.

  The young lad looked across at Jack with a smile and said, “I have heard of you Mr Richards, in fact you were the topic of conversation in the communications room only minutes ago.”

  “Was I now?” replied Jack, “good comment I hope?”

  The Cadet didn’t reply, Jack took the message.

  “Why do they call you Jack the Hat?” Came the next question.

  Jack lifted his finger and pointed to his trilby, “I keep this on all the time, it keeps my brains intact you see,” he said with a smile.

  “Cadet, please do not be so rude, now continue your duties,” called Doris.

  The young man walked away, Doris and Jack simply laughed.

  “I take it Mr Richards you will now spend considerable time reviewing the papers here. I confirm everything is here, including a list of exhibits.”

  “Thank you Inspector, if you have other duties to attend to please feel free to do so. I would however appreciate a contact number, just in case I need to liaise with you."

  She smiled and replied, “It is the same number as last time, I assume you still have it."

  He nodded in confirmation.

  She turned and left, he called to her, “Inspector, a moment please."

  She poked her head around the corner.

  “The key lock number, I have changed it. Sergeant Large remains in charge here. The contents of these files will remain highly confidential with the cases being sub-judice. I seem to recall there has already been a leak to the press, at the time of the villains arrest and arrival here I seem to recall.”

  Doris nodded, then walked over, he gave her the number which she inserted into her telephone directory.

  “I have a feeling from what I know from the meeting in London things could prove very awkward if there is a leak. It will be of vital importance therefore to have the tightest security. I will update you fully later today, once I have had an opportunity to peruse the files.”

  With that a voice called, “Is Mr Richards there? I have his drink here.”

  He recognised the voice, it was May Day the office cleaner and general assistant but also the cleaner at his own home every Saturday, one of her rest days from her full time job. She appeared to be dressed as old as him, an ancient fold over and tied apron a scarf on her head, which, when fitted was tied similar to a turban.

  She walked around Doris and placed down a tray containing the drink for Jack. Lo and behold, there was a plate containing four fig biscuits, his favourites but banned at home due to him putting on weight.

  “Thank you so much Mrs Day,” he said.

  “A pleasure I am sure,” she replied, smiled, turned and left.

  He then looked down and commenced to read the file beginning with the covering report of Doris.

  “I will leave you to it, ring me if you have any queries or when you have solved the case," she replied with just a hint of sarcasm.

  He failed to respond, she walked towards the door and away, “he is in deep thought” she said to herself, “He will hear nothing now.”

  She was wrong of course, he had heard, a close scrutinizer would have seen his lips move in response, “bugger off, sarcasm is the lowest form of wit.”

  Over the next four hours he trolled through the file, stopping occasionally to go back and recheck. He made notes on his pad as he systematically reviewed the papers.

  He occasionally stopped and looked through the window at the crowds of shoppers below. They were scurrying to and fro about their business whilst he was digesting and yes, planning murder. From the facts he was reading he was as usual making every effort to get into the minds of the killers.

  A knock came on the door which finally caused him to return to reality, it was Doris, “Mr Richards, it is one o’clock; you didn’t drink much of your tea, time for a break I think.”

  He looked up, pushed back his hat which by tradition if not deliberate requirement he had not yet taken off.

  “I was consumed by the facts Inspector. My initial reading indicates several loose ends, pointers overlooked, vital facets they are, and yes, some missed important items.”

  She looked amazed and yes disappointed, she recalled how inexperienced and yes obnoxious Kinsella had been but she too had been involved and she was therefore rather disgruntled at his comments.

  He could see this of course but this was after all a case of national interest and clearly of importance not only to the families but to the government it transpired.

  He did however now stop and folded over the papers, then walked to the wall safe amended the code, put in the file and returned to his desk.

  Turning to Doris he looked up and with a stern facial expression and said, “Inspector I must advise you now, at the outset of this review. It will be of vital importance to keep matters confidential. At no stage must any documents be left insecure. No loose tongues, I suspect there is a loose one. I want no leaks to the press as there was at the time of the arrest. Any unauthorised publication may well have serious consequences yet to come. I suspect a trace of corruption here, money for information. Please therefore ensure you secure all documents and keep the office door closed whilst in conversation, that is unless it is deemed necessary to cause a leak for our own operational purposes.”

  “Really Mr Richards, is it that bad?”

  He failed to respond to that directly but added, “I am afraid that is the case, plea
se be mindful of this even when updating the Chief. Just have in mind our police commissioner, he is politician and due for re-election, our press officer, a man in constant contact with the media is not I think the only who communicates with the media.”

  Doris was astounded but what could she do, he was after all Jack the Hat with many more years experience than she, in fact he had taught her all she knew. He was a man of few words normally, to have made such statements, clearly he was concerned. The visit to London had left its mark. She then thought of the reports of public enquires and the consequences they could bring and so she said nothing in reply.