“Why the hell would I? Just because that kid ambushed me the other day and left me battered to a pulp. I’d rather spend my time with you. I’m fine don’t worry,” John forced an unconvincing smile as he watched Birkett go and stand next to Bradhurst, a hand resting on the smaller man’s shoulder as they chatted. Keith said something and then turned around resting his back on the bar; Sean nervously laughed as he glanced over at John. Those pricks are actually laughing at me. It’s enough to make my blood boil but I’ve got to stay relaxed.
“Well we’ll go when I finish this bottle of wine.”
“Ok, I’ll go get another drink then,” John said standing.
Hannah was quick though, grabbing his arm, “Don’t do anything stupid.”
“It scares me that you know me that well already. Don’t worry,” John replied patting her hand and turning, the smile on his face now gone. Walking over to the bar he kept his head held high, meeting the gaze of Birkett. Sean Bradhurst however walked away, leaving a space at the bar which John took. It took a lot of self restraint but John only ordered his drink from the brunette barmaid. He opened his wallet and left it on the bar, for anyone to see the badge.
Birkett leaned in and spoke in a level of voice that meant they were the only two who could hear, “Nice badge, doesn’t mean fuck all on a dark street in the middle of the night, does it?”
“No, it doesn’t. Still means I have a job and am not some sponging lowlife selling drugs to kids,” answered John.
“It’s a living. Now why don’t you piss off out of my village before you have another accident?”
John smiled and took a sip of his drink, “I hear you’re the one who still has accidents, Keith,” the detective said raising his voice so others around them could hear, “Well done singlehandedly keeping the sales of rubber sheets going. Maybe one day you’ll be allowed to wear big boy pants.”
Laughter greeted that comment from the people around them who had heard it. The ex-rugby player was dumbstruck but his base emotion was anger. Balling his fists, he went to hit John but he had walked away from Keith once he had delivered his line. Birkett grabbed John’s right shoulder with a strong hand, knocking the pint glass out of it, as he pulled the detective towards him. The glass had not hit the ground by the time John had spun, the tiled flooring offered no resistance with his leather-soled shoes. As he turned, ducking under Keith’s swinging punch, he delivered a left hook of his own into the young man’s ribcage. He felt bone crack beneath his blow and a rush of air escape Birkett as he doubled over and into the waiting knee that John raised, knocking the man backwards and smashing his nose.
Unlike movies or television shows the music did not stop but the conversation around the pub did halt. Some people moved away, clearing a space around them and others stepped forward to restrain the two men but John was quick in his pocket, flashing his badge around, “It’s ok, I’m police. Mister Birkett here obviously just slipped and fell. Please go back about your business,” he shouted above the crowd.
Keith sat in a puddle of beer on the floor, blood streaming down both nostrils, his flattened nose indented. A group of men picked him up and stood him on his feet as John remained motionless staring at the man. He went to say something but as he spluttered a tooth fell out of his mouth and his friends escorted him outside as John raised the badge and motioned towards the door. John turned slowly, aware that most people in the place were staring at him and sat back down as one of the barmaids came out to brush up the wreckage of his drink.
Hannah had a stern look on her face, “What did I tell you about causing trouble?”
“You said not to do anything stupid, I thought what I did was rather funny,” he said a smile on his face as he tried to diffuse the situation.
“Well I can agree it was funny but it was also stupid. You’ve just poked the hornet’s nest now. The Birkett family will want your head and there are enough people around here who would be very willing to help them,” Hannah said with real concern in her voice.
“Meh! I guess we better get going then,” John nonchalantly replied.
Hannah disapproving face was about to say something but was stopped when her son walked over. Lewis in contrast was beaming and placed a glass of clear liquid on the table, putting an arm around his mother. John noticed the student was wearing much less aftershave this night, compared to the week before and was dressed a little more reservedly in dark chino trousers and a black shirt, “That was amazing, Detective Harper, completely and utterly brilliant. It’s totally made my night.”
“I’m glad I made someone happy,” John nodded towards Hannah, continuing to try and lighten the mood, “Your mother isn’t impressed.”
“It’s not that I didn’t find it funny, it’s that there will be a lot of problems in the future because of it,” Hannah argued.
“Mum, just enjoy it for what it was. Now can I get you two another set of drinks; especially you, Detective. It’s not every day you get to see your arch nemesis get his face smashed in the middle of the pub.”
John was flattered but still asked, “What do you say ma’am, another drink before I walk you home?”
“I was taught never to pass up a free drink, so go on then son. I suppose I can endure another hour or so with this deranged man but after what happened to you last time you walked home, I suggest we get a taxi,” Hannah said her demeanour slowly changing as she prodded him with a delicate finger playfully.
“And I defer to your greater wisdom, ma’am,” John smiled as Lewis went over to the bar to order the drinks.
Chapter Forty Five
Sunlight streamed through the bedroom window, doing enough to wake up John from the peaceful dreams he was enjoying. He stretched out on the bed, patting the space where Hannah should have been. Struggling to open his eyes, he became aware that it was probably the smell of bacon that had awoken him. John walked out stretching and cracking his joints, “I could get used to this cooked breakfast in the morning malarkey.”
Hannah glanced over her shoulder as she continued cooking, “Could you now. I just thought I’d make you a treat, since this is one of your last mornings in the village.”
“It doesn’t have to be,” John mentioned as he sat down.
The chef turned with an eyebrow raised, “You plan on staying after your case is done? I know you said your boss wouldn’t be happy with you sticking around for the weekend. I can’t imagine what Simon would be like if you were here more permanently.”
“He might not have any choice. I’m going to finish this case and they’ve been pushing me out of the door recently so I might take early retirement. They’ve just opened up a new department of retired detectives in Greater Manchester, who are helping on murder cases, so there will always be some work for me if I want it.”
“Don’t you think you’re moving a little fast? I mean I enjoy your company and everything but I wouldn’t want you leaving your career for me,” Hannah said walking over and sitting opposite him.
“Isn’t my breakfast going to burn?”
Rolling her eyes Hannah sighed, “No I switched off the cooker and you’re avoiding the question.”
“I’m not avoiding anything, I’ve just come to a realisation. Whilst I’ve been here not including the beatings I’ve really enjoyed myself. I’ve been able to relax and although it’s taken a little time I’ve somehow managed to focus like I used to. I’m starting to see the links, piece things together and solve this. My brain actually feels like it’s being used. Maybe it’s because I’m not in the office but I think it may also be because of you.”
“Like I said I think you’re moving too quickly. We’ve known each other for less than a fortnight.”
John nodded, “Hey I never said it is all on you. I’m just enjoying your company and I’d like to spend more time with you when this is over. You should come visit my place.”
“And you’ll cook for me?”
“I know a lot of good restaurants,” John said as Hannah lean
t over and kissed him. They were interrupted by her phone ringing.
“That will be Lewis again. He’s rang me about a couple of times this morning probably worried about where I was last night.”
“He’s clever enough to know where you were. You better answer it, there’s no point in keeping him waiting. I’ll finish the breakfasts,” John offered. Hannah answered the phone and walked into the bedroom for some privacy. Maybe I came on a little strong over the whole leaving thing. Still it’s my life to lead, and it’s not like I said something like I was going to move here to be with her.
John was plating the food when Hannah came back into the room, “I think you better get dressed.”
The tone in her voice was serious and she was busy dressing. John placed a piece of bacon in his mouth before asking, “Why what’s up?”
“There’s something happening in the village, Lewis said a crowd is gathering.”
“Can’t it wait? You know finish breakfast, have a shower etc,” John asked as he grabbed one of the sausages and made a move towards the bedroom, hastened by her words.
“Apparently it’s important,” Hannah said walking into the bathroom and brushing her hair.
John dressed in jeans and a polo shirt with his Barbour jacket and boots. He made a quick sandwich out of the breakfast and took a bite as he drove himself and Hannah into the village proper. It was only a short drive till they hit trouble; a large crowd which had gathered near the church.
He parked his Jaguar down one of the side streets and they disembarked. It was a chill morning and Hannah had one of John’s coats over her shoulders, to keep warm, his arm around her waist as they walked towards the sound of conversation from the milling crowd. Lewis spotted them and ran through the mass of people to his mother, “Thank god you are ok,” he said as he hugged Hannah.
“Lewis what the hell is going on? I’ve not seen this many people gathered in Hollingswood since the Challenge Cup was brought through,” Hannah asked.
“Kirsty Mayer has gone missing!”
John was quick to ask, “Who is Kirsty Mayer?”
“She’s that brunette barmaid from the Hollingswood Arms,” Hannah answered for him, “she went to school with Lewis.”
“What do you mean she’s gone missing, it’s only been a night? Hardly enough time to warrant a search party like this,” John indicated with a wave of the arm.
“I wouldn’t call this a search party; more of a lynch mob. With all the deaths around here recently and what Kirsty looks like people are convinced it’s Martin Wills,” Lewis said a little breathlessly.
Hannah’s hand went to her mouth in surprise but John was more relaxed as he looked around the group. He estimated over fifty people were waiting at the gate of the church, most of them men and the majority of them looked hungover, “Why is the crowd here?”
“Wills is inside. The police went to pick him up this morning for questioning but there was already a crowd, so they took him into the church and locked the gate for his own safety. It’s all rather exciting don’t you think?” asked Lewis.
John remained silent as he looked around, now noticing a police car with a smashed windshield near the shops and pieces of masonry scattered about. The villagers must have set about vigilante justice when they saw Wills was being arrested. Shaking his head John continued his own questioning, “Right Lewis I need you to help me here. You seem very well informed can you answer a couple of questions for me?”
“Yeah sure,” Lewis enthusiastically exclaimed.
Hannah however stopped him before he could say anymore, “Hold on what sort of questions? John do you think this has anything to do with why you are here? I know you think the murders are linked but kidnapping is a lot different.”
“Yes it is. It could be some sort of escalation on behalf of the murderer. This whole thing has happened so quickly it just feels wrong. That’s why we need or more specifically I need more information. Let’s go somewhere quieter,” the detective said walking towards his car, the other two following, “Hannah I think it best that you go home and get changed. I wouldn’t want you catching a cold or something.”
She nodded, “I suppose that’s best.”
After kissing her son on the forehead and giving him a hug she walked away towards her house. John leant on the car, “So Lewis fill me in on what you know.”
“Kirsty finished work at midnight; usually she goes out with some of the staff or stays for a drink after closing but her mum is unwell. Her dad left a couple of years ago so it’s just the two of them and her mum is suffering with pretty bad asthma. Kirsty has always been very good looking after her when it gets bad but she didn’t make it home. Her mum knew something was up once an hour passed and she rang the pub. I was still in there for closing when the phone call came in. When they said she had already left her Molly, that’s her mum, rang the police. With everything that has been happening with the deaths and all they actually took it seriously and sent someone round even though it was so soon. However there was nothing to go on. I think that’s it.”
“Brilliant as per usual, very well informed Lewis well done. I doubt though it had anything to do with the recent deaths unless Spencer was informed. More likely it is because of whom she is, cynical yes but more often than not it is the case. Right do you know if the police have tried the GPS in her phone?” John asked.
“How would I know that?”
“Yes of course. Right you go back and see to your mother and I’ll try and find out some more information.”
Lewis did not move, “Are you sure you don’t need my help? I get the feeling you don’t think it is Martin Wills.”
“Abducting someone so young and healthy doesn’t really fit with my profile.”
“You’ve said yourself profiling is not an exact science and should be used to narrow down potential suspects. Surely you wouldn’t rule Wills out just because he doesn’t fit your profile Detective?”
Shaking his head John looked at the young man and smiled, “No I wouldn’t however think of it this way. Martin Wills is a pariah in this village, people notice him when he is out. If he went anywhere near the Hollingswood Arms at night someone would notice him.”
“What about if he was waiting near Kirsty’s house?” Lewis asked.
“There is more chance of being seen on a street. How far away from the pub does she live? And more importantly if Wills is the killer of Bailey and Fleming why take a young woman?”
Lewis had to think for a moment before answering the latter question, “I don’t know about that, maybe because Kirsty looks a lot like Janine Bennett. As for you first question she lives just around the corner from the pub, it’s only a short walk.”
“We’ve got another question how did he take her? Wills is feeble from years of smoking and his prison sentence, not strong enough to subdue and carry a young woman,” John buttoned up his jacket and began walking back towards the church.
“He could have threatened her or something. Where are you going sir?”
“I am going to go speak to Martin Wills. If you want to be helpful and are not going to go back to see your mother; I’d like you to go to his house and ask his sister where he was last night.”
“Do you think she’ll answer? I mean with everyone out for her brother’s blood surely she won’t even open the door.”
John stopped and smiled at the student, they were once again close to the crowd outside the church, “For a nice young man like yourself I’m sure she’ll answer the door to you. She might even invite you inside for a drink if you play it right. Go on off you go I have work to do. Oh and Lewis please stop calling me Shirley.”
Chapter Forty Six
Pleased with his little joke John smiled to himself as he ducked beneath the overhanging tree branches. Within minutes he was inside the church grounds using the hole he had discovered earlier in the week, taking great care not to touch the edges. He walked around the front and opened the door which was not locked. Guess they thou
ght it wasn’t worth locking the door when the gate was shut. Then again it is glass so there isn’t really any point if someone wants to get in or out desperately.
In the small hallway a police constable stood vigilant. John vaguely recognised her as the policewoman who had been outside the church on the Sunday. He did not stop, merely flashing his badge and walking past her before she could say anything. Walk like you own the place and you can get in anywhere. Now for the interesting bit.
Pushing open the double doors John was greeted by the sight of Martin Wills sat in the middle of the hall with two constables either side of him and Detective Inspector Spencer in front of him. The ex-convict looked as dishevelled as he had done the other morning in a faded dark blue jacket and what were once green trousers; his apparel in stark contrast to the fluorescent jackets of the constables and the dark suit of the detective. All eyes turned John’s way when he entered Frank Spencer, visibly surprised shouted, “What the hell are you doing here?”
“A quick word Detective,” John said not stopping but walking towards the small kitchen where Fowler was busy making cups of tea and coffee, “You out.”
“Do as he says Fowler, I want to speak to Mister Harper alone,” Spencer ordered as he walked into the tiny room which could hardly have accommodated all three men. Fowler closed the door as he left leaving the two men alone, “Why am I not surprised you’re here?”
John poured boiling water onto a teabag before removing the bag and adding a drop of milk, “You have more brains than I gave you credit for Detective. I’m here to help. Before you say anything let me apologise again. I came here and didn’t tell you what I was doing. Now I am here and a girl is missing you need all the help you can get, it would be stupid of you not to use my experience and training to help you.”
“I don’t need your help. In fact I thought you were finally getting out of my way. Ever since you’ve come here there has been trouble. Actually you’re my next port of call after Wills, nice of you to drop in,” Spencer spat out.
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