by M A Comley
“Nonsense,” he said, bouncing out of his chair as if he were thirty years younger.
After leaving the house, they returned to the car. Sally’s phone vibrated in her pocket and she fished it out. It was Simon. “Hey, you. What news have you got for me?”
“I’m keen to update you on what’s going on. The anthropologist just rang me to say that he’s almost finished the reconstruction. I thought you’d want to know right away.”
“That’s brilliant news. When will it be completed, love?”
“Tomorrow at the latest.”
“Great news. That’ll mean we’ll be one step nearer. Sorry for hanging up earlier.”
“Don’t ever apologise. My team said they had found some bones in the walls that belonged to animals.”
“I know. Sounds bizarre to me. Do you think the person who buried the skeleton in the garden had thoughts of burying the person in the wall, perhaps? A trial run?”
“Seems likely.” He let out a huge sigh. “All this case is doing so far is raising more questions. I can understand it being so frustrating for you.”
“Thanks, I appreciate your understanding. If that’s all, we’re about to head back to the station. I’ll see you later.”
“That’s all for now. Be in touch if anything else rears its head.”
Sally ended the call and returned the phone to her pocket. “Right, let’s get back and spend the afternoon digging. I sense we’re getting close to a conclusion on this one, Jack. I wonder how Jordan and Stuart are getting on with the other case.”
“There’s only one way to find out. ”
She started the engine, took another look around the small estate then drove off. Her thoughts lingered on what they had learned regarding the gangs.
Chapter 11
Sally and Jack returned to the station, bearing goodies in the form of rolls and cakes for the rest of the team. After eating lunch, Sally instructed Jack to find out what he could about May’s nephew via the woman’s will.
She sat down to speak with Jordan and Stuart concerning what they had managed to find out about the Hathaway-Abbott case.
Jordan placed a sheet of paper in front of Sally to browse. He then went on to inform her that after speaking to the family members they could find, of both the missing girls and the girls who were murdered by Abbott, he and Stuart had drawn up a map of the area showing where each of the girls had last been seen.
Sally studied the map. “Hmm…so that’s an area of around—what? Eight to ten miles?”
Jordan nodded. “You’ve got it, boss. As suspected previously, it looks like he used to go out at night and prowl the area, searching for his victims. A lot of the girls were likely picked up after they had been out for the night with friends.”
“In other words, you’re saying they were more than likely drunk?”
“Exactly. I had a sneaky peek at the PMs of the murdered victims who were found within a day or two of their abduction, and yes, there were faint traces of alcohol in their system.”
Sally tilted her head from side to side. “There’s another possibility to that scenario, of course—that Abbott offered them drink, while he had them in his care, shall we say?”
“Absolutely. A couple of the parents said that Carina Sanders and Sophie Johnson mentioned to their friends that they thought they had seen a man following them once or twice.”
Sally raised an eyebrow. “Interesting, which leads me to believe he targeted the girls and perhaps followed them until the opportunity arose to snatch them. ”
Jordan and Stuart both nodded.
“That’s my take on it, boss,” Stuart replied.
“The previous incidents, did he stalk them on nights out or on their way to or from work?”
Jordan flicked through his notebook then said, “A mixture of both.”
“How far away was Abbott’s house from this area?”
Jordan tapped the map with his finger. “Abbott’s house is here. Therefore, slap bang in the middle of the area he cruised.”
Sally paused to think for a moment. “Shame we didn’t have the use of satnav technology back when he was arrested. We’d probably be able to trace where he was using as a base to keep the girls.”
“It’s still a pretty big area, boss, but if you give me and Stuart a few days, we could begin an in-depth search of the area.”
Sally chewed on her bottom lip until it hurt. “I just think that would be a waste of resources, to be honest. Chances are that if he used a derelict house or somewhere along those lines before he was arrested, his hideaway has probably been demolished or renovated by now.”
Jordan nodded. “Maybe you’re right, knowing how much regeneration has taken place in the area in recent years.”
“What type of reaction did you get from the parents?”
“We spoke with the parents of the girls whose bodies haven’t been located up to this point. We told them we were looking into the cold cases and hoped to have some good news for them soon regarding their daughters’ whereabouts. We tried not to raise their hopes too much. Not sure if we succeeded on that front, though, boss.”
Sally sighed heavily. “It’s a tough one. Exactly the same as what Jack and I are dealing with on the Ryland case. Okay, where do we go from here? I’m thinking I should take another trip back to prison to grill Abbott again.”
“If you think that will help, boss,” Jordan said, shrugging.
“I’ve got a suggestion,” Jack called over.
“Go on, surprise me,” Sally replied, swivelling in her chair to face him.
“I was thinking, after having another coffee, we could shoot over there and perhaps call in to see the nephew on the way back.”
Sally’s interest spiked. “Are you saying that you’ve located him?”
Jack grinned smugly. “Was there any doubt I would? ”
“Not from me. Where does he live?”
“Between here and Norwich.”
Sally nodded and thought over the prospect of coming face to face with the lowlife Abbott again. She rose from her chair. “Let me contact the governor, see if he’ll give us permission to see him this afternoon, and we’ll go from there. Good work, guys. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved so far today.”
She settled into her chair, opened the small address book on her desk and located the governor’s number. She placed the call.
Governor Ward’s secretary put her through after a brief pause. “Hello, Inspector Parker. How are things going?”
“Hello, Governor Ward. Hit and miss, truth be told. I was wondering if you would grant me another visit with Abbott.”
“I don’t see why not. When?”
“Would this afternoon be too soon?”
“I can arrange that. What time were you thinking?”
“How about four, give or take a few minutes?”
“Excellent. I’ll let them know on the gate to expect you. I have to say that since your last visit, Abbott has been surprisingly quiet. Reflective even, according to the officers on his wing.”
“That’s interesting to know. Do you think he’s going to break down and tell us where the girls are buried?”
“Who knows? Let’s just say it looks like your visit touched a nerve. Maybe it’s a good idea that you’re coming this afternoon, if only to keep up the pressure.”
“That’s brilliant. Okay, I’ll gather a few things together and jot down some notes I want to ask him and head over there. Would it be all right if my partner tagged along?”
“I don’t see why not. I might not be around when you arrive. I have a meeting mid-afternoon that could possibly be a lengthy one.”
“Not to worry. Hope to catch up with you another time in that case. We’re bound to be back and forth a few more times yet, if Abbott has his way.”
The governor laughed. “I fear you could be right on that count, Inspector. These guys enjoy nothing more than toying with the police.”
“Hopefully, I have enough am
munition to shoot down any attempts he might have of doing that. My team have been working exceptionally hard on his case and have come up with some surprising facts. ”
“Good to hear. Shame it’s taken yet another team to work the case to obtain results. I’m sure the families of his victims will be eternally grateful to you if you can figure out what’s happened to their daughters.”
“It’s galling. However, once my team and I get involved, there’s usually only one conclusion. I hope that doesn’t come across as sounding too conceited?”
“Not if it’s the truth. Good luck, Inspector. If all goes well, perhaps you’ll give me a quick ring in the morning to update me on your progress.”
“That’s a deal. Sorry, one last question before I go. Has Abbott ever seen a psychiatrist?”
Governor Ward sighed. “Several. I think the last count off the top of my head was four.”
“Oh wow! Okay, thanks for that. Speak soon.” She hung up, and still smiling, she returned to the incident room to give Jack the news. “Yep, we’re on for this afternoon. We’ll set off from here at about ten to three. The governor is allowing us to visit Abbott at four o’clock. If we estimate an hour interviewing Abbott and then get back on the road, we’ll drop in on May’s nephew on our way back. It could be a late one, Jack. You might want to pre-warn that lovely wife of yours.”
Jack picked up the phone on his desk. “On it now. I’ll get the postcode for Jay’s address. Hopefully, he’s not one for necking a swift pint down the pub before he ventures home for the evening.”
“Do we know if he’s married?”
“Not sure.”
“Joanna, would you mind looking into that for us, please?”
“My pleasure, boss. I should have the information for you soon.” The sergeant immediately bashed the keyboard in front of her, making Sally smile.
“Let me know. I’ll be in my office, preparing a few questions I want Abbott to answer. I hate to admit this, but I think I’m going to take a few crime scene photos with me.”
Jack shook his head and glared at her.
“Don’t give me that look, Jack. It’s just in case we need them to persuade him. Although, saying that, the governor has just informed me that Abbott seems reflective since my last visit. I’m hoping I won’t have to use the photos. We’ll see how things go when we get there. ”
Jack reluctantly nodded. “Okay, I get where you’re coming from, in that case.”
“Thanks for giving me your permission, matey,” she said, marching into her office. She decided to ring Simon while she had a spare five minutes in case it slipped her mind later on in the day. “Hi, it’s me. Quick call, not work-related. Well, I suppose in a way it is.”
“Get to the point, Sally. You’re not the only one with a busy schedule,” Simon replied jokingly.
“Sorry. Usual thing. The brain is working at a hundred miles an hour. I’m going to be late home tonight.”
“That’s a coincidence. So am I. How late?”
“Probably be home around seven. Why are you going to be late?”
“Just heard about an accident on one of the B roads near here. A woman and her child were knocked down by a speeding car at a zebra crossing.”
“Shit! I hope they got the driver?”
“Yep, I believe so. You might see me at about nine.”
“Want me to cook something?”
“Either that, or I can drop by the local pub and order a couple of meals to bring home.”
“What? I didn’t know they did takeaways.”
He chuckled. “They don’t. I used to drop in there on my way home when I had to work late. I’d order a meal, they’d plate it up, and I’d drive home and drop the plate back to them the following day.”
“Nifty. And there was me thinking you were totally self-sufficient when you were a single guy.”
“I was, kind of. Anyway, I’ve got to love you and leave you. Oh, I forgot to ask. Why are you going to be late?”
She inhaled a large breath. “I’m going back to the prison to see Abbott.”
“What? Do you really need to do that?”
“Simon, I’ve told you not to worry about me. If it puts your mind at rest, Jack will be accompanying me. Then we’re going to stop off en route to question someone regarding the other case we’re working on. It’s all go around here this week, I can tell you.”
“You work too hard. Make sure you keep the weekend free for some me-and-you time.”
“I’m hoping it’ll work out that way. Mum and Dad are expecting us on Sunday as usual, though. Hope that’s all right? ”
He tutted. “Of course it’s all right. Looking forward to it. See you later. Love you.”
“I love you, too. Enjoy the rest of your day…um…you know what I mean.” She laughed and hung up.
Jack appeared in the doorway with a cup of coffee in his hand. “Thought you might need another one of these. I’ve cleared things with Donna, and Joanna has located a marriage certificate for Steven Jay.”
“Thanks, Jack. Good work all around, eh?”
“I reckon. Let’s hope the visit to the prison goes according to plan. Am I going to be there when you question Abbott?”
“Of course you are. Don’t you want to be?”
“I’m in two minds about it. You might have to restrain me if he starts using bloody mind games on us. You know I can’t abide turd brains who do that sort of thing.”
“You need to keep control on that temper of yours when we go, matey. These guys have nothing better to do than sit in their cell, churning over in their tiny brains what will be the best way to wind us up. The trick is not to let them think they’re winning.”
He flapped a hand in front of him. “I know all that crap. But knowing it and not reacting to it when placed in that situation are two entirely different matters.”
“Just try. For my sake and for the sake of the families we’re trying to help, okay?”
He nodded and left the room.
Sally sipped at her coffee and noted down the questions she intended to ask Abbott. Then she sorted through the case file and extracted the crime scene photos of one of the victims, Karen Pitts. She was the victim whose body had deteriorated the least when a walker had stumbled across her in a boggy area.
She inserted the photos in a new manila folder, along with the details Jordan had researched about his other likely victims, plus the map of the area the two sergeants had come up with. She slipped the list of questions into her notebook. Then she left the office to collect Jack. He was sitting at his desk waiting for her to emerge. “Are you ready?”
“I am. I’ve got the details of Jay’s address et cetera here.”
He held up his notebook, and Sally nodded. “Okay, team, thank you for all your hard work today. Leave at five if you want to, and we’ll meet up again in the morning. With any luck, we’ll have several pieces of important information we can share with you after our afternoon trip.”
Chapter 12
Sally and Jack went through the scanners at the prison then followed the guard to the same room where Sally had interviewed Abbott a few days before. She inhaled and exhaled a few large breaths as they awaited the man’s arrival.
“Are you nervous?” Jack asked.
She faced him and smiled. “Yes and no. I hate being back here because of what’s gone on in the past. I guess I’m a tad anxious more than nervous. Shh…I can hear the clanking of chains. He’s on his way.”
The door opened. Abbott paused at the doorway when he spotted Jack.
The prison officer behind him gave him a slight nudge to get him moving again. “Come on, Abbott. We haven’t got all day.”
Abbott scowled at the officer then shuffled towards the small desk. “Who’s he?”
Sally smiled briefly at the prisoner. “My partner, DS Jack Blackman. Do you have a problem with him being here?”
“As long as he keeps his big mouth shut, we should all get on well. Have you got them?”
Sally pretended she didn’t have a clue what he was referring to. “Sorry? Have I got what?”
“Nice try.” He started to stand, but the officer behind clamped a hand on his shoulder and forced him back in his seat.
“Stay there, Abbott.”
“I told you. No photos, no information,” he sneered.
Sally shrugged and flipped through the file. The motion didn’t sit well with her, but she passed the photo across the desk to him. His eyes widened, and he spent the next few moments staring at the photo from different angles, wearing an infuriatingly large smile. Bile rose in her throat, and Sally thought she was going to be sick. Jack nudged her under the table with his knee, and she nudged him back, letting him know she was all right.
“Well? You’ve got what you wanted,” Sally said. “Now it’s your turn to pay up. Where is Katrina Hathaway’s body?”
He roared, and his head dropped back against the officer behind him. The officer shoved Abbott’s head forward again and shrugged at Sally.
“Thanks for this. Is it mine to keep?”
“Just tell us what we want to know,” she replied tersely.
“Ooh…touchy bitch when you want to be, ain’t ya?”
Jack slammed his clenched fist on the table. “Answer the damn question, you sick bastard.”
Sally grinned when Abbott’s gaze latched on to hers, but inside, she was seething at her partner for breaking his promise not to overreact.
“Easy, tiger. I’m surprised at you, Inspector, for not training him properly. Or did you tell him to grin and bear everything I said, and it’s a case of him showing an ounce of insubordination?”
“Not at all. He’s his own person. I tend to let my team members think for themselves.”
His gaze intensified, appearing to search deep into her soul. “Is that right?” he challenged, tilting his head.
Sally nodded. “Fact. A deal is a deal. Where did you bury Katrina Hathaway?”
He sat back in his chair, glancing from Jack to Sally and back again. He folded his arms. Time wasting, Sally suspected.
“Now which one was she? Ah yes, I remember—the cute one with the blonde ringlets, am I right?”