by Bill Kitson
‘How did you do that?’ Nash asked.
‘It was in your call log. You must have rung France on your mobile at some point.’
‘That was clever, I’d never have thought of it,’ Nash admitted.
‘You would if you’d been thinking straight. Anyway, let’s talk about the more immediate needs. How about if I book a room for you at the Square and Compass? You’re going to need somewhere comfortable and with decent facilities until you’ve got some use in that arm again.’
‘I don’t like imposing,’ Nash said meekly.
‘Well, you’d better get used to it. Anyway, it isn’t an imposition. Right, I’m off. Oh, and by the way, Clara and the chief constable asked me to pass a load of sentimental messages on to you. I don’t do that, so make the best of the fact that I told you.’ Sutton gave a cheery wave and departed.
Nash smiled and made to move, to sit up straight. The smile vanished immediately as the pain surged through his shoulder.
Sutton had only been gone a few minutes when the door opened. He half-recognized the good-looking young woman in nurses’ uniform standing in the gap. After a second, he made the connection. ‘It’s Lianne, isn’t it?’
‘That’s right. Good morning, Mr Nash, I wasn’t sure if you’d remember. You were in a fairly grotty state last night.’
‘I’m not exactly singing and dancing this morning,’ he admitted. ‘Are you here on duty, or is it a social visit?’
‘I promised Viv and DS Mironova I’d keep an eye on you. And the chief constable,’ she added. ‘A lot of people are concerned about you.’
‘Have you heard what’s happening? Has anyone been in touch this morning?’
‘Not yet, but I imagine they’re being kept busy right now. Apart from the bomb at your flat, there’s the robbery at the bank,’ Lianne lowered her voice, ‘and that surveillance that Viv’s on. Between those, I doubt they’ve time for anything else.’
‘You mentioned something about the bank raid last night.’ Nash struggled to remember, but struggled in vain. ‘I’m afraid I wasn’t in a fit state to take it in properly. Tell me again, will you?’
Lianne eyed him doubtfully. ‘I hope you’re not thinking about work,’ she told him severely. ‘You’re supposed to concentrate on getting better.’
‘I’m OK. Go on, tell me again.’
‘I don’t know very much, just what I heard the chief constable say. Apparently it happened soon after your bomb went off. The thieves got into the bank vault by tunnelling through from the cellar of the shop next door. That interested me, because I used to work there on Saturdays when I was at school.’
‘Which side of the bank was it?’
‘On the left, on the ground floor of the building where the accountants, Armstrong and Gill have their offices.’
‘Armstrong and Gill,’ Nash said thoughtfully, ‘that name rings a bell, but I can’t think why.’
‘Don’t worry about it. Concentrate on yourself for once. Leave the others to take care of work. When Viv rings, I’ll tell him you’re feeling better.’
Nash thought about what Lianne had told him for a long time after she left. Without distraction, he was able to puzzle over why the accountants’ names were familiar. Despite his efforts, he failed to make the connection. In the end, he gave up the struggle. Apart from the frustration, the effort was giving him a headache.
chapter eighteen
Jackie Fleming was less than amused. Her displeasure stemmed from the delay in getting the warrant for McKenzie’s farm. DC Andrews conveyed the news, saying it would be early afternoon before the paperwork was available.
Fleming had only just ended the call when Pearce rang in. The news from Black Fell was no better. ‘We’ve covered almost half the ground between the road and the end of the woods. So far, there’s no sign. There are loads of paths and the undergrowth is so dense in places we’ve had to work round some areas. The only positive is that if we can’t penetrate it, there won’t be a body in there. From here though, the ground starts to level off in to the woods. It’s going to take a fair while before we’re through. I only hope it turns out to be worth the effort.’
Neither Pearce nor Fleming questioned the improbability of a couple being on such inhospitable terrain for a romantic stroll.
Jackie’s irritation abated when Clara rang in to report. ‘I hope you’re not in a hurry,’ she began. ‘McKenzie’s finished his milk round, but now he’s gone into Helmsdale on what looks like a shopping expedition. So far, he’s been to the chemist’s, the butcher’s and the greengrocer’s. Judging by the carrier bags he’s loaded into his van I’d say he’s stocking up with a month’s supplies. Either that or he’s planning a barbecue,’ she ended wickedly.
‘I think you’ve been around Nash too long,’ Fleming told her. ‘Your sense of humour’s as sick as his. Where’s McKenzie now?’
‘In Good Buys supermarket. That’s going to be another big purchase,’ Clara suggested.
‘How do you work that out?’
‘Because he took one of their big trolleys instead of a basket. I’d hate to tell him it’s all going to be wasted.’
‘All right, keep your eye on him and let me know when he gets back home.’
‘I will, but I can’t risk getting too close. I don’t want him to recognize me.’
It was an hour later, during which Fleming’s tension level had risen appreciably, before things began to happen. First of all Clara rang in to update her on McKenzie. ‘Would you believe it, after he’d finished at Good Buys he went for a haircut. Anyway, he’s back home now. I’ve taken up position in the lane overlooking the farm. McKenzie unloaded his shopping and went inside. There’s no movement to report.’
That was true. However, had Clara been in position a few minutes earlier, she would have seen signs of activity.
‘We’ll be on our way as soon as Lisa arrives with the warrant,’ Fleming told her before she rang off. She had to wait no more than five minutes before Andrews called to say she was on her way. Fleming instructed the waiting team to assemble in the car park ready for the DC’s arrival. As they were filing out of the door, Sergeant Binns called Fleming back to the reception desk. He held out the phone. ‘Pearce is holding for you,’ he said.
‘Yes, Viv?’ Fleming’s voice quivered with anticipation.
‘We’ve spotted something. The only problem is the location. It’s impossible for us to get close enough to be positive from this side, but the site has all the trappings of a Cremator murder. The altar-like rock, some weird symbols that I can just make out. The undergrowth is really dense. I think we should have started from the other side of the woods. If we try to get any closer we risk contaminating the evidence.’
‘But you think there’s a body?’
‘Sure of it,’ Pearce said. ‘Even from this range I can see a foot and the lower end of the leg sticking over the end of the rock. Or what’s left of them.’
Fleming felt her stomach churn with nausea. ‘All right, find the access route then leave one man by the roadside to guide SOCO and the pathologist to the dump site. As soon as you can, make your way to the surveillance spot overlooking McKenzie’s place. We’ll be setting off in a few minutes. If you get there before me, tell Clara to switch her mobile off, and you do the same. I want complete silence as we approach the house. I certainly don’t want to chance McKenzie making his escape because he’s heard the T-Mobile jingle.’
Sutton returned to the hospital to find Nash sitting on the edge of the bed, his arm encased in a pot, and wearing a sling to prevent over-use of his shoulder. ‘I’ve been given the all clear,’ he announced. ‘They’re kicking me out this morning. They’ve prescribed me some strong painkillers and the doctor reckons there’s no concussion, so I can leave as soon as I’m dressed.’
Sutton placed a couple of carriers on the bed. ‘I got you a pair of jeans, a couple of loose-fitting shirts and a zip-up fleece. I thought they’d be easiest to manage. I also bought a pair of s
lip-on shoes, because I thought laces might be a bit of a struggle. Also underwear and socks similar to what you had on.’
‘That’s brilliant.’ Nash watched as Sutton took the garments out of their bags.
‘I’ve removed all the tags. I’ll help you dress. It’s going to be difficult enough.’
Nash soon realized that dressing is a task you take for granted until it becomes difficult. Even with Sutton’s supporting arm, it took him ten minutes to complete what he would normally manage in two or three.
‘Now, let’s get out of here,’ he said. ‘I hate these places.’
‘I’ll get you to the A and E entrance, then go and fetch my car. You’ll still be a bit wobbly on your legs, I’d guess.’
Nash frowned. ‘Damn, I’ve just realized something. I think I left my car keys in the flat before I went out last night.’
‘I shouldn’t worry about it,’ Sutton laughed. ‘You’re not going to be driving anywhere for a long time. The dealer will provide you with a duplicate set. Where do you want to head for when we leave here?’
‘Will you take me to Helmsdale police station? I need to have a word with Tom Pratt. After that, the hotel, I suppose.’
On the journey to Helmsdale, Nash attempted to thank Sutton. ‘I really appreciate this, David, but shouldn’t you be on duty?’
‘I’m on leave for another three weeks, and I’ve nothing better to do,’ Sutton told him. ‘I was planning to decorate Clara’s living room, so this has come as a welcome distraction. I’m only glad I was on hand to help, with everything that’s happened in the past few days.’
‘So acting as my chauffeur is a better option than splashing emulsion around?’
‘No contest.’
Nash smiled and was about to reply as Sutton swung the car on to Helmsdale high street. He glanced across towards the bank, where forensic officers would still be working, noting that the shop alongside had a signboard that read ‘Top Ranking Posters’. He frowned, something that Viv had told him rang a bell. He struggled with the elusive memory, only recalling it as Sutton pulled in at the station.
It had been a hectic morning at Helmsdale. Sergeant Binns had just brewed a cup of tea when the door opened. He looked up, surprised to see the newcomer. ‘Mike, how are you? I thought you were still in hospital?’
‘Apart from a broken arm and a cracked collar bone I’m fine. Put it this way, it could have been a lot worse.’
‘You had a narrow escape by all accounts,’ Binns agreed. ‘Is it true what I’ve been hearing, that it was a bomb?’
‘It was, but that’ll have to wait. The reason I’m here is to talk to Tom. Where are Clara and Jackie?’
‘I’m afraid you’re out of luck as far as they’re concerned,’ Binns told him. ‘Tom’s here, but everyone else is out. They’ve gone to execute a warrant on Lindsay McKenzie’s place. Apparently, Viv found the body on Black Fell and they’re intent on nailing McKenzie. If they’re right, I’ll need to find a new milkman.’
‘Damn, I wanted to talk to them about the van hijack and the bank robbery. I think I might have a lead.’ Nash thought for a moment. ‘I’ll go and talk to Tom.’
Their conversation took several minutes, the first part of which was spent fielding more questions about his health. ‘Tom, I want you to cast your mind back. Somewhere, sometime, I feel sure that accountancy firm, Armstrong and Gill, have been mentioned, or involved with one of our cases. I keep trying to remember where and when, but I can’t.’
‘Armstrong and Gill, yes, the name does ring a bell. Let me think.’
There was a long silence as both men struggled for recall. After a few minutes or so, Pratt said, ‘Got it!’
‘Go on, Tom, put me out of my misery.’
‘Armstrong and Gill were Simon Wardle’s accountants.’
‘Of course they were! Damn, why couldn’t I remember that?’
‘It was a long time ago, and you didn’t have much to do with the paperwork, as I remember. Anyway, what’s brought them to mind all of a sudden?’
‘Because the bank robbers tunnelled through via the shop underneath the accountants’ offices. Now, that might be pure coincidence, but—’
‘You don’t believe in coincidence,’ Pratt finished for him. ‘Where’s this leading?’
‘I’m not really sure, but by what little I heard, this gang sounds highly organized. As were the villains who hijacked the security van.’
‘You think it might be the same crew?’
‘I do, and I think there might be a way to identify one of them. All we need to do is get hold of some background information.’
‘The last I heard, the chief constable was fuming because we have no idea who they were. How come you’ve got a line on them? Is this the famous Nash intuition? Known to others less blessed, as good guesswork.’
Nash laughed. ‘Hardly,’ Nash’s tone was dry, ‘That seems to have deserted me altogether − if it ever existed. No, it was the attack on my flat that gave me the clue. That, added to something in the security guards’ statements, and something you said.’
‘Care to run it past me?’
‘The gang who hijacked the van used motorbikes. You saw a gang of bikers in town the same afternoon. When I was being blown up, I think I heard a motorbike in the street outside. It might be worth checking with Clara to see if she heard or saw one. I reckon the main aim of the explosion at my place was to distract attention during the bank robbery.’
‘I still don’t see how that gives a clue to their identity.’
‘I said diverting attention was the main reason, I didn’t say it was the only one. That bomb was intended to kill me: nothing less. Not to injure me or purely to keep me occupied elsewhere. Therefore, we can assume a level of personal vindictiveness. Whoever bombed my flat hates me enough to want me dead.’
‘There could be a long list of candidates for that role,’ Pratt pointed out.
‘I agree, but if you add the ability to plan criminal acts like a military operation, and the technical know-how to plant and detonate a device like that, the list shortens dramatically. To one person, in fact. Someone I deprived of their fortune and stuck behind bars for the best part of thirty-years. Simon Wardle, whose accountants happen to occupy part of the premises used to carry out the bank raid.’
‘Yes, Mike, but that’s the point. Wardle is behind bars.’
‘True, and so is his sidekick. But if you think about it, they had a lot of other men working with them, men with the same background and training. And the fact that the ringleader is tucked up in a prison cell doesn’t stop his brain from working. I reckon a good starting point would be a phone call to the prison. Find out what visitors our man has had in the last year. If any of them served in the same regiment, they must top our list of suspects. In fact, I’d be tempted to get the name of anyone who served with him.’
‘How are we going to pick out which of those men might be involved? The number could run into hundreds, thousands even.’
‘That’s the second part of the job. Run the names through DVLA. You’re looking for any of them with a motorbike, not cars, so that should shorten the list.’
‘Blimey, Mike, that’s some task. I reckon your broken arm might have healed by the time I’ve finished.’
‘I’m sure you’ll get it done sooner than that,’ Nash reassured him. ‘Liaise with Jackie and Clara.’ He was about to depart, when he stopped. ‘When you get to talk to Viv, show him any photo ID driving licences you get. See if any of them matches the bloke from the poster shop. Also, that guy told Viv he’d been running the business online for a while. Ask Viv to check that statement out.’
After he left Pratt, Nash waited by the reception desk, thinking. Eventually, he made up his mind. He looked across at Binns, who was studying him with respect. ‘Jack, I need someone to go to Mill Cottage and interview Dawson. As there’s nobody else available, I shall have to do it myself.’
‘Two problems with that, Mike. One, should yo
u be working? And two, I’ve nobody to drive you, and you’re in no fit state to drive yourself.’
‘’I can’t sit at home doing nothing. For one thing, I’ve no home to sit in. As for a driver, I’ve already got one.’
‘That wouldn’t by any chance be Major Sutton, would it? Because he’s waiting outside.’ Binns pointed to the street.
‘That’s it. Right, I’m off.’
‘If the others return with McKenzie or if they call in, do you want me to tell them where you’ve gone?’
‘No, don’t bother; it’s only a hunch at present, and a pretty wild one at that.’
‘I’ve booked you a room at the Square and Compass,’ Sutton told him as Nash opened the passenger door. ‘Do you want to go straight there?’
‘You’d do almost anything to get out of decorating, wouldn’t you?’
‘Pretty much,’ Sutton admitted. ‘Why, what have you in mind?’
Nash told him. When he’d finished, Sutton said, ‘I can think of loads of reasons not to. Apart from anything else, Clara will probably kill me.’
‘Don’t underestimate yourself, David. I’m sure you’ll manage to convince her it was for the best.’ Nash told him, adding ‘given time,’ under his breath.
Nash settled back gingerly, grateful for the soft upholstery. As they travelled towards Wintersett, he explained why he wanted to talk to Dawson. Major David Sutton had been involved in the latter part of the Wardle case and listened with great interest. As they drove slowly down the drive towards the cottage, Nash glanced to his left. ‘Hang on a minute, pull in, will you? The old mill. The doors are open. Let’s take a closer look.’
Sutton slipped the car into reverse and moved gently back, his eyes watching the hedges on both sides via the wing mirrors. He shifted into forward gear and the car rolled slowly down the track towards the building.
They were still thirty or so yards from the entrance when he jammed his foot on the brake. Nash ignored the pain caused by the sudden jolt. ‘Oh Dear God!’ he exclaimed.