by Michael Wood
The treatment he had received so far was cold and hostile. He had badly injured one of their own and that was unforgiveable. No officer showed Lucas Branning any respect or due care and attention. He was bundled into the back of a car with his hands painfully shackled behind his back and dragged out once he had reached his destination.
Sitting behind the table in interview room three, Lucas Branning looked scared and pathetic. He had several days’ worth of stubble on his dirty face and his eyes had dark circles around them. His clothes were stained and creased and he had the odour of a man who had been sleeping among the dustbins for several nights.
Matilda entered the room with Aaron Connolly following. They reacted to the smell and pulled their chairs back from the table. They wanted as much distance between themselves and the interviewee as possible.
Aaron informed Lucas of his rights and told him the interview was being both recorded and videoed. He then introduced them all for the benefit of the recordings. He sat back and folded his arms, waiting for the interview to begin but Matilda remained upright. She sat in her uncomfortable chair and glared at the man sitting opposite her. He looked what he was, a loser, a waste of space, a pathetic excuse for a human. She felt nothing but contempt for the man and hoped her disdainful stare showed it.
‘Do you know why you’ve been sent to me, Lucas?’ she eventually asked.
He nodded.
‘You’re going to have to speak your replies for the benefit of the recordings. I’m guessing you’ve evolved enough to use words.’
‘Yes,’ he grunted.
‘Yes you’ve evolved or yes you know why you’ve been brought here?’
‘Yes I know why I’ve been brought here.’
‘And why is that?’
‘I coshed that copper.’
‘How poetic. Yes, you did indeed cosh a copper. Or, to be more accurate, you assaulted DC Joseph Glass who is currently in Intensive Care following a very serious head injury. He may not even wake up.’
Lucas swallowed hard and the look on his face changed from one of apathy to apprehension. Matilda guessed he probably wasn’t concerned for his victim’s fate, more for his own.
‘Now, you’ve said you don’t want a solicitor present, is that still correct?’
‘Yeah.’
‘OK. So, why did you run when two of my officers came to see you at your place of work?’
‘Because I’m not stupid.’
‘You are stupid. Incredibly so, but that still doesn’t tell me why you ran.’
‘I’ve seen the news. I know all about these burglaries. I also know you lot are fucking clueless trying to find out who’s done them. It’s obvious you’re going to go after anyone with a record for burgling and that means me.’
‘But if you’re innocent of those crimes why did you run?’
‘You don’t give a toss who’s innocent. If you can’t find who’s doing it, you’ll finger any poor bastard.’
‘Is that what you really think?’ Aaron asked.
‘It’s what I know.’
‘Oh come on Lucas. Think it through. If we did finger you for the burglaries do you think they’d have just stopped? Of course they wouldn’t have. Your so-called logic makes no sense at all. So come on, out with it, why did you run?’
‘I told you.’
‘I get the feeling this is going to be a long interview,’ Matilda said to Aaron. ‘It’s a shame the windows in here don’t open. Lucas, tell us about your brother-in-law.’
‘Which one? Kevin?’
‘Yes.’
‘He’s married to Alice. My sister.’
‘We’d worked that one out for ourselves. Do you know what’s happened to him?’
‘Yes,’ he said, laced with heavy sarcasm. ‘Don’t talk to me like I’m thick. He got himself shot.’
‘Do you know anything about it?’
‘No.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘Oh I get it. I’ve got a criminal record so I must be involved in every crime that happens in Sheffield. Look, I’ve not been in the nick for over ten years. I’ve gone straight. I’m clean. I haven’t robbed or anything for over a decade. When I did I never used guns. I’m not into any of that.’
‘Your sister, Alice, was also burgled the other day. Do you know anything about that?’
‘What? No I didn’t. What happened?’ He genuinely looked surprised by this.
‘Apparently she interrupted the burglar before he managed to take anything.’
‘Is she all right?’
‘As far as we know. Are you sure you don’t know anything about them, Lucas?’
‘You think I’d rob my own sister?’
‘You robbed your own grandmother,’ Aaron added. ‘Surely you wouldn’t bypass a house just because your sister lived there.’
‘I didn’t do it. I didn’t do any of it.’
‘We know you didn’t do it, Lucas – you’re too short and fat. You don’t fit the description we have,’ Matilda said, enjoying insulting the man opposite. ‘However, I’m guessing you know some pretty dodgy people so I’d put money on you knowing who is currently terrorizing Sheffield.’
‘I don’t know nothing,’ he stated loudly and clearly, leaning forward on the table.
‘We really are going round in circles here. Where have you been hiding since you ran from my officers?’
‘I’ve got an old lock-up in Gleadless. I was sleeping there.’
‘Did you know about your flat being burnt down?’
‘Yes I did. Look, don’t you see, someone is out to get me.’
‘I’m sorry?’
‘My flat’s been torched; you don’t think that’s some kind of message?’
‘Who is out to get you?’
‘I’ve no fucking idea.’
‘Oh come on Lucas, you must know if you’ve pissed someone off enough for them to burn down your home.’
You don’t. The dark BMW, the phone calls, the note. Someone is obviously out to get you and you have absolutely no idea who that person is. So, who have you pissed off recently?
‘Boss?’ Aaron asked when Matilda had fallen silent.
‘Sorry. I just thought of something. It’s gone now. Where was I? Oh yes, why did you decide to give yourself up?’ Matilda asked Lucas, fidgeting in her uncomfortable chair. She tried to block out the thought that, like Lucas, someone may be after her, but she couldn’t. She prayed and hoped to God that her home wouldn’t get burnt down. James designed that house.
‘Because every time I went out I saw you lot. You’re all over the fucking place. Like I said, I’m not daft, I knew you’d find me eventually. I thought it best to hand myself over, get time off for coming in by myself, you know?’
Matilda rolled her eyes. This man really was beyond contempt. ‘Lucas Branning, we’re going to charge you with GBH on a police officer. You’ll appear before a magistrate court tomorrow where I hope you will be remanded in custody. I shall certainly be making it known that you’re a flight risk. This is not over. I will be questioning you further about the burglaries.’
‘Come on, it wasn’t GBH. I didn’t mean to … Look,’ Lucas was becoming restless. He realized he was facing a lengthy term in prison, ‘if I tell you something will it help in getting me a lighter sentence?’
‘It depends on what you want to tell me.’
The room fell silent while Lucas weighed up his options, not that he had many to choose from.
‘I think I know who’s doing these burglaries. I’m not certain, but I’ve got a fair idea.’
‘I’m listening,’ Matilda said, sitting back and folding her arms.
‘And, if I’m right, it’s the same bloke who killed my brother-in-law.’
Now it was Lucas’s turn to sit back in his chair and fold his arms. He had a pathetic grin on his face, which showed off his brown and yellow stained teeth. Matilda and Aaron looked at each other; could they really trust this lying waste of space?
THIRTY-
NINE
Rory was pleased Scott was back at work. He might be shy but when he opened up he had a wicked sense of humour. Together they were undergoing the tedious task of identifying everyone in the block of flats on London Road and Rory was grateful for the banter. It seemed to be taking forever.
‘How’s the head?’ Rory asked, leaning back in his seat and stretching. He’d been bent over his desk for an hour and was beginning to stiffen up.
‘It’s fine. Bit of a headache but I’m OK,’ he replied, not looking up from his paperwork.
‘Fancy a few drinks tonight?’
‘I can’t. I’m not allowed to drink on these painkillers I’ve got.’
‘Oh right. I could come round with a curry if you like. There’s a Champion’s League match on tonight.’
Scott paused in his deliberations and took a deep breath. Matilda’s words from his hospital room echoed in his head. He really should set the record straight with Rory. ‘To be honest, I’ve had to move out of my flat.’
‘What? How come?’
‘I couldn’t afford it. Bills going up, rent, and everything. Plus, we haven’t had a pay increase for ages. I’ve had to move back home.’
‘Oh that sucks, man.’
Scott frowned. Was it really this easy? ‘Sorry.’
‘No don’t be. Listen, if we had a spare room I’d let you move in with us.’
‘Really?’ Scott’s face lit up at the very generous offer. He’d only met Amelia once and thought her a bit frosty. He doubted she would allow him to move in but the fact Rory was offering meant a great deal.
‘Of course. You’re my mate. We help each other out in these situations. At least being back home you’ll get your washing done and your meals cooked. I sometimes wish I was still back at home.’
‘Do you?’
‘Yes. I’m shite at cooking and Amelia’s not great either. Between us we’re just about managing not to starve. I tell you what, how about we go out for a curry tonight then?’
‘OK, sure. I’d like that.’
‘Excellent.’
‘We could go and see that new Vin Diesel film as well if you like?’
Scott smiled. It wasn’t exactly The Towering Inferno but it would offer a distraction for a couple of hours.
Scott wasn’t the only one lying to cover a personal issue. Rory didn’t want to go home as he knew Amelia would have her work spread out all over the living room floor. He admired her ambition and drive, but what about him? When was there time for their relationship? They hadn’t been out as a couple since New Year and hadn’t had sex since before Christmas.
‘So, where are you up to then?’ Scott asked, getting back to work.
‘Well, out of everyone we’ve spoken to so far, most of them don’t talk to their neighbours. The ones that do only vaguely knew who Gerald Beecham was. Of those, very few actually spoke to him on a regular basis. Those that did only said hello in passing.’
‘It sounds like a lovely environment to live in,’ Scott said with sarcasm.
‘I know. Talk about a suicide block.’
‘Did any of them see or hear anything on the night he jumped, fell, was pushed? Delete as appropriate.’
‘None at all.’
‘I knew this was going to be a boring task when you roped me in on it but I thought we might have got something. Is that everyone covered then?’
‘I’ve identified seven flats where we can’t get a reply from the residents. Three are empty, which just leaves,’ he flicked through the mess of paperwork on his desk. ‘Andrew Parsons, Clayton Fletcher, Colin Theobald, and Fionella Deveraux.’
‘What are we going to do about them then?’
‘I’ll get uniform to keep popping round until they answer. They’re probably all old and deaf and never leave their flat anyway.’
‘Is it time for a coffee yet?’
‘It’s always time for a coffee. I’ll put the kettle on, you nick a couple of KitKats out of Sian’s drawer before she comes back.’
FORTY
‘Last time I was in the nick I met this bloke, real headcase, you made sure you never got on the wrong side of him. But, if you got to know him, he was all right. You could have a chat and a laugh with him. The problem was, he’d sometimes just fly off the handle for no reason. He really flipped. When I got out I saw him round Sheffield once or twice, not to talk to or anything, just saw him. I’ve seen him in pubs as well, only to say hello, not to have a good chat and catch up on old times with. Lately, I’ve seen him more than usual in the pubs and he’s always got a big holdall with him like he’s got stuff to flog, you know what I mean?’
Lucas Branning was talking in hushed tones and leaning forward over the interview table as if he was talking about someone within earshot. When he finished he leaned back. He obviously thought he’d said enough.
‘Go on,’ Matilda prompted.
‘That’s it.’
‘No it isn’t. Come on, I want a name and a description.’
‘I’m not telling you his name. Weren’t you listening? The guy’s a psycho. He finds out I’ve dobbed him up to the pigs and he’ll tear me a new one.’
‘Lucas, if you don’t give me a name you’re not going to be around for him to tear you a new one. You’re really starting to piss me off now, so spill.’
Matilda was getting agitated. With her hands below the table, she had been tapping her fingers against her thumb and counting them in her head. Now she started digging her nails hard into her skin to give her brain something to focus on: the pain. Without it, her mind would be all over the place.
Aaron looked down and could see Matilda’s red hands. ‘Do you think we should take a break?’
‘No,’ Matilda snapped. ‘No breaks until this little gobshite gives me something to work with. We’ve been here nearly an hour and so far he’s given us fuck all. Now come on, Lucas, stop playing.’
‘In the nick we called him Ronnie,’
‘Corbett or Barker?’
‘Kray.’
Matilda and Aaron looked at each other. Their facial expressions were identical. This was not going to end well.
‘Please don’t tell me there’s a Reggie out there somewhere.’
Lucas smiled. ‘Not that I know of. This guy doesn’t need a brother helping him out. He’s enough of a psycho all on his own.’
‘His name, Lucas.’
‘Colin. Colin Theobald.’
FORTY-ONE
Matilda stormed down the corridor to the Murder Room. So much for her new outlook. She didn’t know whether Lucas Branning was telling the truth in pointing the finger at a fellow ex-con but it needed investigating. If it turned out he was lying to buy himself more time she would seriously consider using him as target practice.
Aaron Connolly was struggling to keep up with his boss despite there being a massive height difference. He trotted to match her pace.
‘You don’t believe Branning do you?’
‘I’ve no idea. If a man can burgle his own grandmother I think he’s capable of anything. I won’t trust a single word he’s said until I have it confirmed.’
She threw open the doors to the Murder Room. ‘Rory, whatever you’re working on put it to one side for the moment.’
‘Cool. Are we going out?’
‘No. I want you to run a search on a Colin Theobald for me and tell me everything about him from what day he was born to what he had for breakfast this morning and everything in between.’
Rory looked up at his boss and didn’t move.
‘Would you like me to repeat my request in Welsh?’ she asked.
‘Did you say Colin Theobald?’
‘Yes. Why? Please don’t tell me he’s a relative.’
‘No. He’s on my list though.’
‘List of what?’
‘The residents of the block of flats Gerald Beecham jumped, I mean, was pushed, from. Or maybe he was thrown.’
‘Forget the semantics for now. He lives in the same block a
s Beecham?’
‘Yes.’
Matilda looked pensive. ‘Right, get me everything you can on him as soon as possible then bring it straight to me. Aaron, you wouldn’t fancy fetching me a sausage sandwich would you?’
Matilda sat in her office with the door closed and the aroma of a sausage sandwich in the air. She felt better after having something to eat; the grease, the fat, the meat, the bread and the lashings of tomato ketchup definitely filled a hole. She had her back turned to the rest of the office and was sitting in her chair staring out of the window.
She closed her eyes and leaned her head back and tried to make sense of what was happening. It was a stretch, but say Lucas Branning was telling the truth: Colin Theobald was committing these burglaries and lived in the same building as Gerald Beecham, who had Lois Craven’s blood on him. Was Colin Theobald the man behind the double shooting? Branning obviously thought so.
Rory knocked on the glass door and poked his head around. ‘Am I all right to come in?’
‘If you tell me what I want to hear then you can have my desk.’
‘I’ve done a search on Colin Theobald and he’s a very interesting character. Born on 14th September, 1977 in Darnall, Sheffield. He’s six foot two and, according to the computer, he’s built like a brick shithouse.’
He took a photograph from his folder and handed it to Matilda. It was a police mugshot of a blond shaven-headed young man looking menacingly into the eye of the camera. He had a heavy brow and thick neck with a tattoo of a snake creeping up out of the collar of his polo shirt.
‘Blimey, Neanderthal man in all his glory.’ She held the photograph closer for a more detailed look. ‘What an ugly tattoo. Why would anyone want a snake slithering around their neck? We’ll have to get Lois to take a look at this photo, particularly the tattoo, see if she recognizes it. Go on Rory, you were saying.’
‘According to the council register he rents a flat in the tower block on London Road and has done for the last fifteen years. His father died when Colin was only five-years-old. His mother died of lung cancer eight years ago. He has no brothers and sisters and no other family at all.’