by Sally Rigby
‘Okay, now we have the rundown, let’s plan his arrest. Remember, the evidence we currently have is circumstantial. We don’t know for certain yet whether he’s the one.’
‘I’ll bet my pension he is,’ Frank said.
‘We’ll leave for the school now. Brian, you and I will visit the head teacher and ask to speak to Robinson. If he comes along to see us, then we’ll arrest him on the spot. Doug, Meena and Frank, you will go to the school in two separate cars and position yourselves at each entrance in case he susses us and attempts to do a runner. Ellie, continue digging. We need as much information we can get on both of his names.’
‘What about me?’ George asked.
‘You know the answer to that one. You stay here and wait for us to return with Robinson. While we’re out, perhaps you could think about whether there’s anything specific I should focus on to get him talking. I’m going to let the super know what’s happening, and as soon as I’m back, we’ll leave.’
Whitney ran all the way, and by the time she reached the super’s office she could hardly breathe. She hadn’t realised she was so unfit, and really needed to do more about it. She knocked and poked her head around the open door, without waiting to be called in.
‘Ma’am, I’m here to let you know we’re about to bring someone in for questioning regarding the Barker murders. He’s a teacher from the children’s school. Eric Robinson, previously known as Mark Roberts. Gillian Barker was his birth mother and he was obsessed about meeting up and getting to know her, but she had wanted nothing to do with him.’
‘That would have been tough on him.’
‘Gillian was raped as a teenager and the pregnancy resulted. After the baby was given up for adoption, the family moved from Bedford to Poole in Dorset, where they made a fresh start.’
‘Good work, Whitney.’
‘We’re going to arrest him now. We have no physical evidence yet, but I hope we’ll elicit his confession during the interview. Please could you arrange a search warrant for his place as soon as possible?’
‘I’ll get onto it now. If we can get this wrapped up within a week, that will certainly go in our favour and stop the media from hounding us.’
‘Yes, ma’am. It will also get the chief super off our backs, which is a massive plus,’ she said, grinning.
‘I can neither confirm nor deny my agreement with that,’ the super said, her lips turned up into a slight smile.
‘I’ll report back once we have Robinson in custody.’
Whitney left the office, smiling to herself. Beneath her seriousness, the super had a sense of humour. It was nice to be able to say that about a boss. But she didn’t have time to dwell on that. They needed to get to the school before lessons finished and Robinson left for the day.
Chapter 33
Brian parked his car outside the front of the school, and once Whitney had ascertained that the two other cars were in place, they walked through the entrance into the main building and headed for the administration area where the head teacher was situated.
‘You’re back again,’ the school secretary said.
‘We’ve got a few more things to go through. Is Dr Johnson available?’ Whitney nodded at the closed door of the head teacher’s office.
‘Yes, I’ll get her for you.’
The woman knocked and went straight in. After a few seconds, she returned with the head.
‘Hello, Dr Johnson. We wanted to confirm some further details with one of the children’s teachers. Mr Robinson. Do you know if he’s available?’
‘Trudy, please will you check the timetable to see where Eric is.’
The secretary went behind her desk and looked at her computer screen. ‘He’s been teaching year eight. Shall I fetch him?’
‘If you wouldn’t mind. I’m expecting a call from one of the governors any moment now.’
‘We’ll wait in the corridor for him, and let you get on,’ Whitney said.
‘Are you sure? You can wait here if you wish.’
‘We’re fine, thanks. This won’t take long. We only want a quick chat.’
The last thing Whitney wanted to do was to cause alarm because it would alert Robinson. Her plan was to ask him to come outside with them so they could talk privately and not be overheard by any of the students. She was well aware that the situation had to be handled carefully, or it could get nasty. Hence the reason for having backup outside from the rest of the team.
They stood looking at the photos on the wall and a couple of minutes later their suspect was heading towards them, walking with the school secretary, appearing to be chatting amiably. He clearly wasn’t aware of why they wanted to speak to him.
‘Here he comes,’ Brian muttered stepping towards him. ‘Thanks for coming to see us, Mr Roberts …’
Robinson’s jaw dropped. He turned, pushed Trudy out of the way, and ran.
Crap. Brian had called him by his old name.
‘Quick, after him,’ she said to her sergeant.
They ran down the corridor, trying to navigate the kids who were now swarming about as lessons had ended. She pulled out her radio.
‘Suspect escaping. We’re in pursuit heading towards the back entrance. See if you can stop him on the other side.’
They chased after him but didn’t make up any ground. Through the corridors and out of a door onto the school playing fields. As he was running across he passed three young students standing in a huddle. He grabbed one by the arm.
‘Right, you come with me,’ Robinson said.
‘But, sir,’ the boy shouted as he was dragged away while being forced to run alongside his teacher.
‘Do as you’re told,’ Robinson snapped.
‘Suspect has taken a hostage. Call backup,’ Whitney radioed. She slowed her pace, keeping the suspect in sight. She didn’t want him to do anything rash and harm the child.
‘We’re coming from the other direction,’ Doug said.
They followed Robinson to a large wooden shed. He opened the door and pushed the child inside.
‘Don’t come any closer, or the boy will be hurt,’ he shouted, before going inside the shed and shutting the door.
Whitney and Brian came to a halt about ten yards away and waited for the others to join them.
‘He’s got a student in there. We’ve got to play this carefully. Brian, find the head and ask her to come out here straight away. I need to know what’s in that shed.’
‘Guv, I’m sorry about calling him by the wrong name, it—’
‘Not now. We’ll talk later.’
‘Yes, guv.’ He turned and ran back towards the school.
Through the window, Whitney could make out two moving shadows. It didn’t look like the boy was being harmed. After a few minutes, Brian and Dr Johnson came back.
‘What’s happening? Your officer wouldn’t tell me anything other than there’s an emergency.’
‘We believe that Mr Robinson is involved in the murders of the Barker family. When he realised why we were here, he ran.’
‘Are you sure? Eric’s one of our best teachers.’
‘It’s a long and involved story, which obviously we can’t tell you about now. More importantly, he has taken a boy hostage. Can you tell me what’s in the shed?’
‘It’s full of equipment the students use on the field.’
‘What exactly do you have in there? Any potential weapons?’
‘Yes, plenty. There are rounders bats, javelins, discus, cricket bats, balls and bails, football nets …’
Exactly what Whitney didn’t want to hear. This was getting worse by the second.
‘And how come it was open, don’t you keep it locked to stop students from getting in there and stealing stuff?’
‘It’s always kept locked. All I think of is that it was opened earlier by the PE teacher getting ready for a training session after school.’
‘Is the PE teacher in there as well?’
‘No, I saw Mrs Nelson on my way out here
to see you.’
‘Okay. Now we know what we’re dealing with, it’s important to keep everybody away from this location. The area will be cordoned off and I’ll contact Robinson. Do you have his mobile number?’
‘I can get it. It’ll be on the system.’
‘Meena will go with you and bring back the number. I also need to know the name of the boy he has with him.’
‘Yes, I can do that. Do you need me back here?’ Dr Johnson asked.
‘No. I need you to stay inside the school and ensure no one tries to sneak out. You’ll need the help of other teachers. Don’t tell them what’s happening.’
‘I can make something up. Are the children allowed to go home? The bell has gone but there are still plenty around.’
‘Keep whoever’s still there inside until it’s all over. Doug, sort out the cordon and ensure no one enters or leaves the premises. Brian, you go with him.’
‘Yes, guv,’ they said in unison before running off towards the main entrance.
‘Parents will be worried if they can’t collect their children,’ Dr Johnson said.
‘In that case, it might be better if you wait outside the cordon on the street to answer any queries the parents may have. Remember, don’t mention Robinson at all.’
‘I understand,’ Dr Johnson said before heading back to the school with Meena.
After a couple of minutes, Doug returned. ‘The cordon’s in place, guv.’
‘Yes, thanks, I can see. Look over there, there are several students and a couple of adults watching on.’ She pointed to the east of the school building.
‘I’ll move back them into the school.’ Doug ran in their direction.
Whitney turned to look at the shed. She could no longer see shadows moving. What was going on in there? She glanced at the school and saw Meena hurrying towards her.
‘The boy’s name is Joshua Smith. He’s only twelve. And this is Robinson’s number, guv,’ Meena said handing her a piece of paper.
‘Thanks.’
She could see Doug and Brian in the distance and she waited for them to reach her. ‘I’m going to phone Robinson now. I’ll put it on speaker so we can all hear what he has to say.’ She keyed in the number Meena gave and waited while it rang.
‘Yes,’ Robinson said, finally answering.
‘This is DCI Walker. We know you’re involved in what happened to the Barker family. Come out now so we can talk about it.’
‘No.’
‘Let Joshua go, he’s done nothing.’
‘No.’
Whitney sucked in a breath, grateful that only recently she’d renewed her hostage situation training. The man was giving away nothing. His voice was cold and emotionless. Not a good sign. ‘Think logically, Eric. You can’t stay in there forever, so why don’t you tell me what you want, and we can work this out? We don’t want any harm to come to you or Joshua.’
He was silent for what seemed like ages. If it wasn’t for his breathing, she’d have thought he’d disconnected the call.
‘I want a taxi to take us to a destination that I’ll direct the driver to once I’m in there. Providing we’re not followed, I’ll release the boy.’
‘Why don’t you come with us now, and we can talk it through. I want to hear your side of the story.’
‘No. You’ll do it my way, or the boy will suffer. And then you’ll have blood on your hands.’
‘Okay, we’ll call you a taxi.’
‘It’s got to be from the firm I use regularly. I know all the drivers, so don’t think you can substitute one for a police officer.’
Of course he’d think of that. He wasn’t going to let anything happen by chance.
‘I understand. What’s the name of the taxi company?’
‘Combined Cabs. And remember, if anyone follows, the boy gets hurt. He won’t be released until I’m safe.’
‘All right. You’ll have to give me a moment. I’ll let you know when the taxi has arrived.’
‘Make sure it’s not too long.’ He ended the call.
‘He’s been watching too many movies on television. I suppose we’re lucky he didn’t ask for a helicopter. Right, let’s get in touch with this company and sort something out.’
Chapter 34
‘Stop snivelling,’ I say to the boy, who’s standing in the corner crying.
I can’t believe they discovered my identity. It wasn’t meant to happen like this.
But I’ll get away from here and they won’t find me.
I can blend in. I’ve done it before, and I’ll do it again. It’s easy when you know what to do.
‘I want my mum.’
I wasn’t thinking straight when I grabbed him. Of all the students I could’ve taken, I had to pick a pathetic weakling. Then again, at least he won’t try to escape. One thing’s for sure, I’m not going to feel sorry for him and let him go.
‘Shut up.’
Except I do feel sorry for the kid. I enjoy my job and especially working with the younger kids. I don’t want them to feel like I did at that age. Like I was second-rate and not worth anything.
If only Gillian had agreed to see me, none of this would’ve happened. All I ever wanted was to be part of a big family. My adoptive parents are okay, but they’re old and boring. And even when they try, it’s not enough. Why didn’t they adopt another kid so I had a brother or sister? Was it because I was too much trouble? I never asked. Not that they’d tell me. They think it’s okay to keep secrets from me. I learnt that to my cost.
I couldn’t believe it when the job for this school was advertised. I knew it was a sign for me to be close to my real family. And when I found out I’d be teaching my brothers and sister. That nearly blew my mind. It was almost enough for me. Until I saw the way Gillian was with them. Always putting her arms around them, caring for them. Why couldn’t she have been like that with me? That’s when I knew it wasn’t right and I should do something about it.
‘It was so unfair. And now they’ve all paid for it,’ I say out loud.
‘What is, sir?’ Joshua says.
I’d forgotten he was there.
‘Nothing to do with you, so shut up and we’ll be out of here soon. Remember, if you try anything stupid, like running away, you won’t be going home.’
The boy cried.
‘Don’t start that, again. Where the hell are they? Why is it taking so long?’
I’d lied about knowing all the drivers working for the taxi firm. I said it so they didn’t think they could have a police officer driving me. I do know the firm. I’ve used them a few times in the past.
‘I need the loo, Mr Robinson,’ Joshua says.
‘Well, you’ll have to wait until we’re out of here.’
‘What if I can’t?’
‘Then you’ll have to piss yourself and have wet clothes. Your choice. Understand?’
‘Yes, sir.’
Chapter 35
‘Okay, it’s all arranged with the taxi company. They’re going to use one of their regular drivers and he’ll have his phone patched into mine, as well as his link with the head office, so we can listen and discover where they’re heading. The phone is an extra precaution in case Robinson tells him to turn off his link thing to the company. We’ve also fitted a tracker to the taxi. We can’t be too careful, not while there’s a child with him. The driver has been instructed to use the phrase do you mind if I open the window for some fresh air if he sees that Robinson has a weapon.’
‘I doubt he’ll tell the driver his destination. He’ll probably do it in stages,’ Brian said.
‘I agree, but it’s imperative that we maintain contact. I’ve arranged for the driver to come on to the field and up to the shed.’
‘Guv, the taxi’s here,’ Doug’s voice came through the radio.
He’d been coordinating proceedings in the vicinity of the school. Uniformed officers had arrived, and the entire street was cordoned off with police positioned at every exit dealing with parents and oth
er passers-by who wanted to enter.
‘Send him down. Everyone else scatter,’ she said to the rest of the team. ‘I don’t want him feeling pressured because there are so many of us.’ She pulled out her phone and phoned Robinson. ‘The taxi is driving up to the shed. Why don’t you get in and let the boy go?’
‘No. He’ll be released when I’m ready. Tell your officers to keep well away or he’ll get hurt.’
‘No one is close to you. You’ll be able to see from the window when the car is there.’
‘Remember what I said, and the boy won’t get hurt.’
The taxi drove up and Robinson came out, holding the boy’s wrist and using him as a shield. Did he think they were going to shoot him?
The boy’s face had lost all colour, but other than that he appeared unharmed.
They got into the waiting taxi and drove off. Whitney and the team ran across the field and watched as the car turned left out of the school grounds.
‘Okay, everyone back to your cars. Follow Brian and me. We’ll keep him in our sight but at a distance.’
Whitney and Brian ran to his car and she placed her phone on mute to prevent them from being heard in the taxi. She put it on the dash so they could hear what was going on. The driver had been instructed to drive at a steady pace.
‘Where are we going?’ the driver asked.
‘Continue down Durham Road, and I’ll tell you when to turn.’
‘Right, we know where they are, so let’s go.’
Brian drove quickly and soon the taxi was in eyesight.
‘Now where?’ the driver asked.
‘Turn right at the next junction.’
‘Sounds like we’re heading towards the motorway,’ Brian said.
‘Yeah, but is he going north or south, both are accessible from there? Let’s hope he says something soon.’
There was silence for a few minutes.
‘Turn right here,’ Robinson said.
‘Which lane shall I take?’ the driver asked.
‘The inside.’
‘So, you want me to head towards the motorway and keep left.’