‘We can go out by the side gate in the Upper Park Road.’
‘Yes - that way we will avoid the rest. There’s sure to be a rush.’
Forty-Four
At eleven, eating a pizza back at home, waiting for a call from the station, Nick had a phone call from a worried Sylvie.
‘Inspector, Mel’s not phoned me yet like she promised. And I’m worried about her.’
Attempting to conceal his alarm he said, ‘She wasn’t there in Bexhill. Did she tell you to ring me and feed me that cock and bull story this evening? To keep me out of the way?’
‘I’m sorry, yes - she did, Inspector.’
‘So where was she really supposed to meet him? I want the truth now,’ he growled.
‘In the park. By the old band stand. At seven thirty. I told her she shouldn’t do it. I’m so sorry, Inspector. She told me she’d phone me by ten thirty. I’ve been waiting but she hasn’t called me. And I’m worried.’
He groaned. Mel wasn’t answering her phone. Suddenly his phone rang. He answered, ‘Mel? Where are you?’
‘Farmer? It’s Peterson. The call was genuine. We’ve got a real break here with the Kaufman’s. Got another anonymous phone call to say that Freddie Kaufman has a light aircraft unloading women in the Glider airfield outside town. Time expected arrival here by one a.m. I think we should take a chance on it.’
‘What are we talking about here? Illegals? You realise ma-am, it’s double time if you act on it?’
‘Yes. And I’m prepared to risk it. I’ve called in Trask, Calder, Bennett and all the rest available. At once. They’ve been in the Victoria Park all evening.’
‘Righto. On my way.’
*
He waited for a police car to pick him up and was just leaving his flat and closing the door when the phone rang again.
‘Sgt Bennett here, guv. Ms Goring’s mother, Mrs Sherwood, just phoned the station to enquire if you’ve seen anything of her daughter tonight, sir? She said her daughter said she was seeing you this evening. Sounds urgent.
‘Ms Goring’s not come home yet and her small son is taken sick so she’s rushed him into the hospital for a check up. She thinks it could be meningitis.’
‘Christ! I’ve not seen her tonight. And we’re on a call out right now, Bennett. Can you tell her mother I will try to trace her daughter as soon as possible?’
‘Right, sir. Will do.’
‘One minute. Do you know what hospital she’s calling from? Did she say where I can reach her?’
‘The East Sussex. She’s very worried, Nick.’
‘She must be. Can’t blame her.’
He got into the waiting car. Where the hell was Mel? She obviously had gone ahead with her plan to date the Virgo man. His mobile rang again.
‘You know where the local training airfield is, Nick? The firearm team are coming in on it.’
‘Yes, ma-am. I’m on my way. ‘
‘Calder’s not answering. His father says he not come back from the Park yet.’
‘I’ll try his mobile.’
‘I’ll leave it you, Nick. We want no balls up here. This is our chance to get Kaufman once and for all.’
Nick glanced at his watch. Of all bloody nights this had to be the one that his work had to take his attention first and foremost when he desperately needed to find Mel.
Forty-Five
Mel laughed. ‘Don’t worry, Brian, I’m not about to pump you for any news on the case. I’d personally like to forget it just for now,’ she said as they discovered empty seats and a table in the corner alcove of the bar.
‘Wouldn’t we all,’ he said as she sat down. ‘Now what can I get you? A glass of wine?’
‘Yes please.’
‘Red, white or rosé?’
‘It’s my treat, after all you rescued me, Brian,’ she said smiling. ‘I think I’ll have a white wine. Thanks.’ She handed over a note, he hesitated then took it.
‘Okay - if you’ll let me buy the next one.’
She glanced around and nodded. ‘Looks like we only just made it in time. Everyone has had the same idea.’
The pub was crowded now with the overflow from those who had watched the fireworks in the park. Mel sat back in the chair feeling the tension escaping from her at last now. Thank God! She had escaped a blind date with a man that could have only been one hell of a mistake.
Calder came back with the drinks. ‘You’re right. We were lucky we got here when we did. Seems like everyone else had the same idea.’
She took her glass of white wine and her change from him. ‘Thank you. I meant to ask you, Brian. How’s your Dad keeping now? Is he finding things to do?’
He shrugged. ‘So-so. He’s taken up angling on the pier again. Meets some old pals daily. So that’s a huge relief for both of us. And the museum had asked him to do some work for them. They have a fine clock collection. You know how good he’s with them.’
‘Yes, it’s a shame he had to close the shop. He must miss it still.’ She smiled and took a sip of her wine. ‘It was an especially favourite place of mine to visit when I was small. He must miss the musical chimes through the day.’
A shadow crossed his face. ‘Well you know he couldn’t keep it going with my mother’s long illness. And me working.’
‘No - of course not. What did you think of the Crimewatch programme the other night?’
‘Excellent. We’ve had lots of phone calls come in over it.’
‘Peterson must be pleased. Sorry Brian. I know I’m not supposed to mention it. Or the Geraldine Temple case.’
‘Geraldine Temple seems to interest you a lot. Why is that? Do you mean to get a feature from it? Personally I don’t think it can do any good for anyone to bring it to the attention of the public.’
‘No, it’s because her sister in law came to see me, Brian. She told me that Geraldine Temple had had a son and he came to see her. She felt it might have contributed in some way towards her sister in law’s suicide.’
‘Why did she come to see you?’
She took a sip from her glass. ‘To thank me for writing a low profile article on the inquest. Her husband, Hugh, Ms Temple’s brother is the local vicar. And he was very stressed over his sister’s death. I gather he didn’t know about her son.’
Brian nodded. ‘You’re right. It was a sad case. I think it affected me mainly because it wasn’t so long after my mother’s death. Wouldn’t ever want to face anything like that again.’
‘I think you already have, Brian. Linda’s death was especially horrific for us all too, wasn’t it? You worked with her quite a bit, didn’t you?’
He shrugged. ‘Yes - you’re right it was but it’s what we have to expect with police work. Will you have another wine? On me this time.’
She glanced at her watch. ‘Only one then.’ She shook her head. ‘No - better not. Make it a pineapple juice.’ She smiled. ‘I have to drive home. I can’t stay out much longer. My parents have had Jack for me this evening.’
‘A pity about your date tonight. You did have one I think. Anyone I might know?’ He grinned back at her. ‘It wasn’t by any chance, DI Farmer?’
She felt herself flush with colour but laughed. ‘Now that would be telling, wouldn’t it?’
‘Er - sorry. Shouldn’t have stepped on your toes there. Just thought he’s been showing some keen interest in you lately. Must have got caught up somewhere. Didn’t do it intentionally, I’m sure. We’ve all been kept busy on the case.’
‘Must have,’ she echoed. She wasn’t about to say anything different. She wondered if Nick was back home by now. She smiled. ’You don’t miss much do you?’
He grinned. ‘Just comes natural with the job. Pineapple juice, you said?’
‘Lovely.’
*
‘One pineapple, and a shandy. Have to watch it in my line of work.’ Brian grinned at her as he brought them over.
‘Thanks.’ She drank it down quickly and glanced at her watch. ‘Sorry, must m
ake a move. Thanks, Brian, for rescuing me.’ She moved to get up and bumped against the table. ‘Oh wow!’ She held her head. ‘Feeling a bit dizzy.’
‘Are you okay?’
‘Sorry, clumsy of me.’ She stood up again carefully steadied herself with a hand on the table. ‘What did they put in that in juice? Perhaps the wine is more alcoholic these days.’
‘I’ll walk you out over to your car. Can’t be any too careful as it’s getting late.’
‘Just a minute – must powder my nose.’
Every movement took an effort to make. The steps she took seemed yards long. The wine must have gone to her head pronto. Just how alcoholic was the one glass of wine she thought as she leaned over the wash basin. Her legs felt rubbery but somehow she made it back to Brian waiting for her by the pub door without an incident.
Then the air hit her and her head was swimming as they walked round to the car park and her legs suddenly gave way and buckled under her like India rubber.
‘Whoa! Are you feeling okay?’ he asked as she stumbled clumsily nearly falling down on the pavement. ‘I don’t think you should drive.’
She shook her head. It felt as if cotton wool had suddenly bunged up her ears and his voice seemed to be coming from a long way off.
‘Don’t think I can…’ She made a grab for his supporting arm as she felt the pavement coming up to meet her.
‘You’d better get in my car. I’ll drive you home. You can pick up yours in the morning.’
‘In the morning… Okay. Thanks. Sorry don’t usually feel like this.’
He helped her carefully into the front seat of the blue Audi and clipped the belt round her. ‘Have you home in a jiffy. No problem.’
‘Feel so foolish. How many drinks did I have to make me feel like this? Can’t remember.’
‘Just relax. You’ve been working too hard I expect. And you’re a mother. I remember my Mum, how tired she got trying to hold down a job and look after me.’
‘Thank you. Hope my mum has put Jack to bed. He gets so excited watching fireworks.’
Forty-Six
Erik Kaufman waited in his car on the dark outskirts of the deserted air field. He was hidden out of view under the trees. There was thunder rumbling in the distance. A storm was about to break overhead. But he was feeling good for the first time in days. He’d got everything arranged and catered for. His cases were in his car. His getaway well planned.
This air field was only used by gliders and a local flying club and had been used often by Freddie. This was going to be once too often for him. Erik had no regrets over what he had done. None at all. Whether Freddie was responsible or not for the car accident, the police officer’s death or Jude’s he was going to get his just deserts at last. He’d been the cause of most their troubles from the time Freddie had first seen Geraldine and wanted her. Jude had been right. Freddie always screwed things up for them, he’d wanted everything and every woman that Erik ever had. He’d used that car crash as an attempt to kill him, only he hadn’t reckoned on Geraldine wanting to come along as well. Freddie had been the cause of her dependence on alcohol and drugs and for all that went wrong with her afterwards. He fully deserved what was coming to him.
‘I’ll make him pay, Jude.’
He threw out his cigarette stub as he heard car engines approaching and saw the police cars quietly stationing in the shadow of the hangers. They wouldn’t show themselves till the aircraft landed and the women were here. Freddie would be armed. And he’d have his boys with him as backup.
His mobile rang in his pocket. He took it out slowly.
‘You still awake, bruv? You left the casino early?’
‘Yeah, in bed at home. Not feeling too good. Are you still there?
‘Yeah. Got a job on. See you tomorrow. Okay?’
‘Yeah... See you.’
In custody he hoped. If he was caught he would also be brought in and questioned. Might get charged too. But he didn’t care what happened as long as Freddie paid for what he’d done. He deserved everything he fucking got.
He glanced at his watch. Twenty minutes and the aircraft would come in to land. Normally it would work smoothly, the girls taken away to the Health Farm where they would stay for a while till they were broken in sufficiently. Then Freddie made arrangements to sell them on to other willing takers. In towns up north. But this time would be the last time.
If the police came to question him early tomorrow he hoped he would be gone. If it meant being stopped at the airport he didn’t bloody care, he’d get the best lawyer he could. He planned to leave anyway. He’d booked his flight to Spain where he’d made a home for Jude and himself to live. It would never be the same without her. But he could live there remembering the good things they’d shared together.
He’d made plans for her funeral. Jude was to be cremated quietly without fuss and her ashes sent on to him. She would be with him then as always. In the beautiful garden there. Some of his orchids were already in place. Her death had only served to hasten the plans he’d made for their future together.
At last he heard the aircraft approaching, the vans arriving and Freddie’s Bentley rolling up smoothly to meet it. Time for him to move out quickly. It was entirely up to the police now.
Forty-Seven
Rachel Sherwood sat in the long hospital corridor with her husband who was pacing up and down.
‘Where is she, Don? It’s not like Mel to do this. Not as far as Jack is concerned. Nick Farmer hasn’t seen her either. Why did she lie to us?’
‘Look, love. She must have had her good reasons to do it. Mel is not irresponsible.’
‘Aunt Laura hinted that Mel was trying to find out more about Linda’s death. Could she be mixed up in something tonight she’s not told us about?’
‘You have done everything possible to get in touch with her. She must have had her reasons, love.’
‘I think that Inspector Farmer will find her. He sounded really worried about her. If she is in trouble he’ll do his best to reach her.’ She smiled. ‘I think that there is something more than just the case going on between those two, Don. She has a wicked sparkle in her eyes when she mentions his name.’
A door opened and a nurse came out and addressed them, ‘Mrs Sherwood? Is there any word yet from Jack’s mother?’
‘So sorry, there isn’t. We think the police are looking for her. We’ve informed them.’
Don gripped hold of her hand squeezed it held it tight. ‘I know what you are thinking, love. Our girl is going to be all right, DI Farmer is sensible chap, and he won’t let anyone hurt her. Not if he can help it. You’ll see.’
‘I hope you’re right, Don.’ She sighed. ‘I would like to see her walking down this corridor right now.’
Forty-Eight
Farmer was speaking quietly to Calder on his mobile. ‘At last! Are you in position with Trask? Why couldn’t we get hold of you? Where were you? They said you were in the park earlier.’
‘My car broke down. Had to get a taxi in to the station and a lift from there in one of our cars with Trask.’
Their call was interrupted by the sound of the aircraft coming in along the runway.
‘Everyone here is in position,’ Peterson said to Farmer. ‘Wait till those women are out of the aircraft and they’re loading them in to the vehicles. Fix on Freddie Kaufman. He’s in the Bentley. He has his men with him, don’t forget. And they’ll be armed. The firearm team are in position.’
The small aircraft landed quietly on the lighted landing strip and opened up it’s door just as the heavens opened above them; lightening flashed and zipped across the sky and thunder crashed and rolled overhead, terrifying the girls stepping out of the craft.
Shots rang out in quick succession as the police cars drove out of the hangers, bringing the firearm team into the action. In the pouring rain uniforms closed in around the plane to protect and take charge of the frightened girls. As the bullets hit targets amongst his men, Freddie Kaufman made an att
empt to drive away but he was hit at the wheel.
Kaufman’s car skidded and ploughed into a figure that ran out in front of the Bentley - the vehicle swerving erratically smashed head first into the side of hanger.
‘One of our officers has been hit!’ Peterson said on her mobile to Farmer. ‘Looks like Kaufman’s tried to make a getaway. The bugger’s still in his car. Get to him quick before he does more damage to anyone else.’
Farmer and Trask ran out across the wet airfield to take charge of the injured Kaufman slumped heavily in the driving seat. Police officers put the girls into police vans. Two waiting ambulances with paramedics drove in swiftly and uniforms attended to the inert body lying out on the wet tarmac as the rain sheeted down.
Kaufman was lifted out from the car with medics assisting. Brian Calder was picked up carefully off the wet tarmac by the medics and moved out of danger as the Bentley burst into flames despite the rain.
Kaufman’s men were taken into custody along with the pilot taken from the light aircraft before he could take off.
‘Six in all of Kauffman’s men taken. Two ambulances were needed. Kaufman shot trying to get away and one of ours; Calder, hit and knocked down by Kaufman’s car in a brave attempt to stop it. Looks like he tried to be a hero and caught it trying to stop Kaufman.’
‘Is he badly hurt, ma-am?’
‘Yes, by the look of it. He’s on his way to hospital.’
‘No sign of Kaufman’s brother, Erik, by the way.’
‘No. What’s this I’ve just heard from Trask about the journalist, Mel Goring? She’s gone missing apparently.’
‘That’s right, ma’am.’
‘I heard that her mother’s been in touch trying to trace her. Her son is ill in the hospital and she can’t find her. Do you know anything about it?’
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