Dark Secrets: A Cavendish & Walker Novel - Book 11

by Sally Rigby

  ‘A psychiatric assessment will be made regarding his fitness to stand trial,’ George said.

  ‘And if they say he isn’t, it means he can enter a plea of diminished responsibility and get away with it. Bloody typical,’ Brian said, shaking his head.

  ‘Don’t remind me,’ Whitney said. Her phone rang. ‘Walker.’

  ‘It’s Melissa from PR. You’re required at a press conference immediately.’

  ‘I’m on my way.’ She ended the call. ‘I’ve got to go. There’s a press conference. I’m not sure why they want me there. Drinks are on me. Get the team together, Brian, and I’ll meet you in the pub. I want a quick chat with the super after we’ve spoken to the media. Are you staying for drinks, George?’

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘Great. You go over with the team and I’ll see you there.’

  Chapter 38

  Whitney stood behind the super and Dickhead who was preening and acting like he’d solved the entire case himself. Would it make a good story for the press if she told them he’d done nothing other than be a pain in the arse the entire time? Not only that, was it okay that he was there, considering the conflict of interest even if it wasn’t public knowledge? The conference room was packed with reporters all holding out their phones to capture what was being said. Cameras were at the back.

  ‘Thank you for coming in,’ Melissa said. ‘I’d like to hand over to Chief Superintendent Douglas for an update.’ She stepped down from the podium and Douglas took her place.

  ‘We’ve called you in today to announce that we have arrested someone for the Barker family murders.’

  ‘What’s their name?’ a reporter in the front called out.

  ‘We’re not able to discuss that at the moment, as you know, but we’re not seeking anyone else in relation to our enquires.’

  ‘What can you tell us?’ the reporter asked.

  ‘The suspect is male, and connected to the family through the children’s school,’ Douglas said.

  Whitney glanced across at the super, whose face was set hard. Why had he said that? The school would now be swamped. They needed time to work out a strategy for dealing with the fallout. Typical bloody Dickhead.

  ‘Was it a teacher?’

  ‘I have nothing more to add.’

  ‘Chief Superintendent is it right that your wife was related to David Barker?’ a reporter called out.

  Douglas flashed an angry glare in Whitney’s direction.

  ‘I am not in a position to discuss anything further regarding the investigation. Thank you all for coming in.’ Douglas stood down and they followed as he marched out of the room. ‘Walker?’

  ‘I have no idea how they found out, sir. It wasn’t anyone from my team.’

  ‘Well, it better not be.’ He turned to the super. ‘Good work in solving the case so quickly, Helen.’

  ‘It was down to Whitney and her team.’

  ‘Yes. Good work,’ he said gruffly, before marching off down the corridor.

  ‘Well, I suppose that’s something. He doesn’t normally praise anything I do,’ Whitney said.

  ‘I would like to echo his praise, Whitney. To solve the crime in under a week is excellent.’

  ‘Thank you, ma’am.’

  ‘There is something I’d like clearing up. I understand it was DS Chapman’s error that caused Robinson to flee.’

  ‘Yes, ma’am. I’ll be making a formal report and discussing it with him, but not today. My team have worked hard and have earnt the right to celebrate.’

  ‘Of course. That’s the correct decision to make. Enjoy your celebration.’

  ‘Before going, I’d like a quick word if you’ve got a minute.’

  ‘Yes. Do we need to find somewhere quiet?’

  ‘No, I’m happy to talk on the way back to our offices. I mentioned to you a while ago about my brother, Rob, who has a brain injury following an attack when he was in his teens.’

  ‘Yes, a dreadful thing to have happened.’

  ‘The attackers were never found, and at the time Rob wasn’t able to assist. I now have some information and would like the case reopened.’

  The super came to a halt and turned to Whitney. ‘I’m not sure how appropriate it would be for you to lead an investigation like this. What information do you have?’

  ‘Rob has remembered something which can be used. Yes, I agree that it’s not appropriate for me to undertake. I had an idea that I’d like to run by you. Sebastian Clifford, the ex-DI from the Met who helped us with the Ryan Armstrong shooting, is still assisting the Met as a consultant, and I thought we could ask him to investigate. Not as part of his Met duties, but under a different contract.’

  ‘We don’t have an open-ended budget to employ consultants.’

  ‘I understand that, but I was thinking we could employ him for say a two-week period to see what he uncovers. There is a national push for solving cold cases.’

  ‘Yes, I’m fully aware of that. If you’re convinced there’s sufficient evidence for the case to be reopened, then I will sanction it. But only for two weeks. After that time, report to me.’

  ‘Thanks, ma’am. That’s great. I don’t even know whether he’s available, but I’ll contact him to find out.’

  Whitney walked on ahead and took the lift to her floor. On the way back to her office to collect George she pulled out her phone and called Seb.

  ‘Clifford,’ he answered.

  ‘It’s Whitney Walker from Lenchester.’

  ‘Hello, Whitney, how are you?’

  ‘Fine, thanks. I’ve phoned for a favour. Well, not a favour exactly. I’d like to employ you as a consultant to look into a cold case.’

  ‘I wasn’t intending to act as a consultant for the force.’

  ‘But you’re working for the Met?’

  ‘That’s different. It’s for an ex-colleague.’

  ‘That’s what I am. Look, it’s only for two weeks.’

  ‘What the case?’

  ‘I’d rather explain in person. Can we meet up on Sunday for lunch? My treat.’

  ‘Okay, but I’m not promising anything. I’ll drive to Lenchester.’

  ‘That’s fantastic. Meet me at one o’clock at the Victoria Arms in Little Hampton.’

  ‘Looking forward to it.’

  ‘Me, too.’ She ended the call and stared at her phone. Was she finally going to get justice for Rob?

  Chapter 39

  George stood with the team beside a tall table in the Railway Tavern, the pub closest to the police station. As usual, the music had blared out from the moment they’d set foot inside. It was the epitome of the worst in modern pubs. But she couldn’t leave and she’d told Whitney she’d be there for drinks. They’d already been there twenty minutes, and her friend had yet to arrive.

  ‘Here’s the guv,’ Frank said.

  She glanced up as Whitney approached them ‘What are you all drinking?’

  They gave their orders and George accompanied Whitney to the bar to help.

  Once everyone had a drink, Whitney held up her glass. ‘Here’s to a case well solved. And no, I haven’t forgotten that I owe you all a meal.’

  ‘Except he might get away with it if he claims to be bonkers,’ Frank said.

  ‘If he’s deemed unfit to be tried, then he will still be placed in a secure facility,’ George said.

  ‘It’s not the same. And for the record, I think he’s perfectly sane. He managed to hold down a job as a teacher and live a perfectly normal life.’

  ‘I’ll let the psychiatrist know of your opinion,’ Whitney said.

  ‘Which they’ll be holding their breath for,’ Doug said.

  ‘I’m just saying, that’s all.’

  ‘We’ve done our bit. The rest is up to the courts and the medical fraternity. We’ve done a good job … even the chief super said so.’

  ‘Blimey, guv. That’s got to be a first,’ Frank said.

  ‘My sentiments exactly. So, drink up and celebrate.’ Whitney turned
to George. ‘I’ve got something to tell you.’

  ‘Exactly what I suspected by your demeanour.’

  Whitney stepped to the side and George followed.

  ‘I’ve had permission from the super to ask Clifford if he’d like to look into my brother’s attack.’

  ‘Why Clifford?’

  ‘Don’t you think that’s a good idea?’

  ‘I didn’t say that. I was curious.’

  ‘No way would I be allowed to investigate myself, and so Clifford is the next best thing, and certainly better than the options at this station. It means he’ll report directly to me. I can assist, even if I’m not directly involved.’

  ‘And there’s money for that? I thought budgets were stretched.’

  ‘We’re giving it two weeks. It’s a cold case and solving them is flavour of the month.’

  ‘I think it’s an excellent idea. When will you ask him?’

  ‘I already have, and we’re meeting for lunch on Sunday to discuss it.’

  ‘Has he agreed to accept the case?’

  ‘Not yet. But I’m sure he will. I can’t wait to meet him.’ Whitney’s eyes shone with excitement.

  ‘Don’t get your hopes up until he’s made a firm decision.’

  ‘Are you trying to ji—’

  ‘No, I’m not,’ George said, not giving Whitney time to finish.

  ‘Good. Let’s and join the others. I’m in the mood for some serious celebrating.’

  Whitney and George return in Broken Screams, book 12 in the series, when they investigate an attempted murder that’s linked to a string of unsolved sexual assaults.

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  Would you like to read about the case involving Whitney’s brother Rob?

  In the book Never Too Late Sebastian Clifford investigates. But the deeper he digs, the more secrets he uncovers, and soon he discovers that Rob's not the only one in danger. It’s book 3 in the Detective Sebastian Clifford series, and can be read as a stand-alone.

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  Read more about Cavendish & Walker

  DEADLY GAMES - Cavendish & Walker Book 1

  A killer is playing cat and mouse……. and winning.

  DCI Whitney Walker wants to save her career. Forensic psychologist, Dr Georgina Cavendish, wants to avenge the death of her student.

  Sparks fly when real world policing meets academic theory, and it’s not a pretty sight.

  When two more bodies are discovered, Walker and Cavendish form an uneasy alliance. But are they in time to save the next victim?

  Deadly Games is the first book in the Cavendish and Walker crime fiction series. If you like serial killer thrillers and psychological intrigue, then you’ll love Sally Rigby’s page-turning book.

  Pick up Deadly Games today to read Cavendish & Walker’s first case.

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  FATAL JUSTICE - Cavendish & Walker Book 2

  A vigilante’s on the loose, dishing out their kind of justice...

  A string of mutilated bodies sees Detective Chief Inspector Whitney Walker back in action. But when she discovers the victims have all been grooming young girls, she fears a vigilante is on the loose. And while she understands the motive, no one is above the law.

  Once again, she turns to forensic psychologist, Dr Georgina Cavendish, to unravel the cryptic clues. But will they be able to save the next victim from a gruesome death?

  Fatal Justice is the second book in the Cavendish & Walker crime fiction series. If you like your mysteries dark, and with a twist, pick up a copy of Sally Rigby’s book today.

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  DEATH TRACK - Cavendish & Walker Book 3

  Catch the train if you dare…

  After a teenage boy is found dead on a Lenchester train, Detective Chief Inspector Whitney Walker believes they’re being targeted by the notorious Carriage Killer, who chooses a local rail network, commits four murders, and moves on.

  Against her wishes, Walker’s boss brings in officers from another force to help the investigation and prevent more deaths, but she’s forced to defend her team against this outside interference.

  Forensic psychologist, Dr Georgina Cavendish, is by her side in an attempt to bring to an end this killing spree. But how can they get into the mind of a killer who has already killed twelve times in two years without leaving a single clue behind?

  For fans of Rachel Abbott, L J Ross and Angela Marsons, Death Track is the third in the Cavendish & Walker series. A gripping serial killer thriller that will have you hooked.

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  LETHAL SECRET - Cavendish & Walker Book 4

  Someone has a secret. A secret worth killing for....

  When a series of suicides, linked to the Wellness Spirit Centre, turn out to be murder, it brings together DCI Whitney Walker and forensic psychologist Dr Georgina Cavendish for another investigation. But as they delve deeper, they come across a tangle of secrets and the very real risk that the killer will strike again.

  As the clock ticks down, the only way forward is to infiltrate the centre. But the outcome is disastrous, in more ways than one.

  For fans of Angela Marsons, Rachel Abbott and M A Comley, Lethal Secret is the fourth book in the Cavendish & Walker crime fiction series.

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  LAST BREATH - Cavendish & Walker Book 5

  Has the Lenchester Strangler returned?

  When a murderer leaves a familiar pink scarf as his calling card, Detective Chief Inspector Whitney Walker is forced to dig into a cold case, not sure if she's looking for a killer or a copycat.

  With a growing pile of bodies, and no clues, she turns to forensic psychologist, Dr Georgina Cavendish, despite their relationship being at an all-time low.

  Can they overcome the bad blood between them to solve the unsolvable?

  For fans of Rachel Abbott, Angela Marsons and M A Comley, Last Breath is the fifth book in the Cavendish & Walker crime fiction series.

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  FINAL VERDICT - Cavendish & Walker Book 6

  The judge has spoken……everyone must die.

  When a killer starts murdering lawyers in a prestigious law firm, and every lead takes them to a dead end, DCI Whitney Walker finds herself grappling for a motive.

  What links these deaths, and why use a lethal injection?

  Alongside forensic psychologist, Dr Georgina Cavendish, they close in on the killer, while all the time trying to not let their personal lives get in the way of the investigation.

  For fans of Rachel Abbott, Mark Dawson and M A Comley, Final Verdict is the sixth in the Cavendish & Walker series. A fast paced murder mystery which will keep you guessing.

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  RITUAL DEMISE - Cavendish & Walker Book 7

  Someone is watching…. No one is safe

  The once tranquil woods in a picturesque part of Lenchester have become the bloody stage to a series of ritualistic murders. With no suspects, Detective Chief Inspector Whitney Walker is once again forced to call on the services of forensic psychologist Dr Georgina Cavendish.

  But this murderer isn't like any they've faced before. The murders are highly elaborate, but different in their own way and, with the clock ticking, they need to get inside the killer's head before it's too late.

  For fans of Angela Marsons, Rachel Abbott and L J Ross. Ritual Demise is the seventh book in the Cavendish & Walker crime fiction series.

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  MORTAL REMAINS - Cavendish & Walker Book 8

  Someone’s playing with fire…. There’s no escape.

  A serial arsonist is on the loose and as the death toll continues to mount DCI Whitney Walker calls on forensic psychologist Dr Georgina Cavendish for help.

  But Lenchester isn't the only thing burning. There are monumental changes taking place within the police force and there's a chance Whitney might lose the job she loves. She has to find the killer before that happens. Before any more lives are lost.

  Mortal
Remains is the eighth book in the acclaimed Cavendish & Walker series. Perfect for fans of Angela Marsons, Rachel Abbott and L J Ross.

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  SILENT GRAVES - Cavendish & Walker Book 9

  Nothing remains buried forever…

  When the bodies of two teenage girls are discovered on a building site, DCI Whitney Walker knows she's on the hunt for a killer. The problem is the murders happened in 1980 and this is her first case with the new team. What makes it even tougher is that with budgetary restrictions in place, she only has two weeks to solve it.

  Once again, she enlists the help of forensic psychologist Dr Georgina Cavendish, but as she digs deeper into the past, she uncovers hidden truths that reverberate through the decades and into the present.