Dead Nasty

by Helen H. Durrant

  Calladine was certain. “He’s conned them. Don’t ask me how because Donnelly’s not that clever. It’s taken a long time but he’s worked out how to play the system. That bloody vicar, whoever he is, wants his head looking at. Religion, my backside! I bet Donnelly is laughing at the bloody lot of them. For our sakes and his, let’s hope he keeps away.”

  “He may well want to see his daughter.”

  Calladine shook his head. “If she’s got any sense, she’ll refuse.”

  “Does he have any connection to this person?” Birch handed him a photo of a man wearing baggy clothes, with a full beard and long, untidy hair. It was impossible to guess his age.

  Calladine squinted at the image. “Do you have a name?”

  “He visited Donnelly in prison on several occasions over the last couple of months. He gave his name as Jason Kent. Of course that could be an alias. But he did produce ID. According to the visitor records, a passport.”

  “Could have been a fake,” Calladine suggested. “They’re easy enough to get hold of. If you know the right people.”

  “Donnelly didn’t have any visitors apart from the official ones, and the vicar. Kent told the prison authorities that he was doing research for a book.”

  “What sort of book?”

  “A book about murder, Inspector.”

  “Exactly how many times did he visit?”

  “Six times in total. Always dressed the same. And he didn’t interact with any of the other visitors.”

  “Significant, you think?”

  Birch shrugged.

  “Sorry, ma’am, I don’t recognise him.”

  “Okay. Take the file with you and show the team. If Donnelly is seen in Leesdon with any undesirables or talking to young girls, let me know.” She gave him a warning look. “And I don’t want you approaching him. He’ll scream police harassment, and that will give us no end of grief. Do you understand, DI Calladine?”

  “Can’t I mark his card?”

  “No. Tell me. Uniform will keep an eye on him too. Unfortunately not this weekend though, they’ll be thin on the ground. It’s the Leesdon Prom in the Park on Saturday night, so they’ll be mob-handed policing that little lot.”

  “I’ve seen the posters in town. We’ve not had one of those before. That’ll keep them busy.”

  “That’s what I’m afraid of. A couple of popular groups are attending. Not that I’ve heard of them,” she added, making Calladine smile. “Local brass bands are playing too.”

  “An odd mix and not my cup of tea, but Leesdon Brass is worth a listen, ma’am. Does really well at the ‘Whit Friday quickstep’ most years.”

  “What on earth is that?”

  Calladine chuckled. “Of course, you’ve not been around here long enough to have had the pleasure. It’s a local brass band competition, ma’am. I say local, but the bands come from miles around. The idea is to compete in as many of the villages and towns as you can in one night. We get any number of famous bands rolling through here, clogging up the roads in their coaches. Brighouse, Black Dyke and Fodens take part regularly, as well as the local bands.”

  “A lot of effort has gone into organising this Prom thing. The money raised is going to the children’s ward at the hospital.”

  “Very laudable, but it won’t stop the villains off the Hobfield trying to cash in. They’ll see it as a great opportunity to tout drugs and cause mayhem. It’s asking for trouble, as far as I can see.”

  “I dare say you’re right. But there’s not a lot we can do.”

  That was the weekend up the spout. Uniform were good, but if anything serious went down it would be up to them. So much for time away with Shez.

  “Check on the other team on your way back to the office. DI Long is on leave and Sergeant Thorpe is adept at dodging anything he doesn’t like the look of.” She nodded at the folder. “I’ve asked for some background on Jason Kent. Check where he’s up to, would you?”

  Calladine stood up to leave. Birch looked tired, even fed-up. “You had a trying few days too, ma’am?”

  She sighed wearily. “Wore me out. As I’m sure you can tell from the way I look.”

  “If you need anything, the team are always happy to help.”

  “Thank you, but this is something I have to deal with myself.”

  She was giving nothing away. As Calladine went back to the main office, he wondered what that something was.

  Chapter 2

  “Will you drop Harry at the nursery?” Ruth Bayliss asked her partner Jake. She was running late. Night-time feeds, and a teething infant meant sleep was at a premium, so she’d not heard the alarm. A bad start to her first day back.

  “Can’t. Robert is struggling so I promised to meet with him early. We need to go over his lesson plans for today before classes start. He came to me on Friday asking for help and I can hardly refuse. We’re only a few weeks into term, and I am supposed to be mentoring him. The life of an NQT is not an easy ride these days. Especially not with pupils like ours. The upper and lower sixth forms are merciless.”

  “Little buggers, the lot of them. Shame you can’t just cuff ’em around the ear and be done with it.”

  He grinned. “It was the ruler across the palm in my day.”

  “Same here. Bloody hurt and all! But what about Harry?”

  “Sorry, love.” He pecked her cheek, and pinched the slice of toast hanging out of her mouth. “They’ll understand down at the station.”

  Would they though? Calladine might, but Ruth already felt as if she was pushing it with the rest of the team. She’d extended her maternity leave by taking a few weeks’ holiday that had been owing her. The team were short-handed as it was. They’d be counting the days.

  How could she continue to be effective with all this baggage? And then there was Birch. Ruth had known things would change. It was how things were with babies. But this wasn’t change — it was chaos. She was only one more setback away from sinking.

  Moments later, Jake Ireson was out the door. Lucky him. Ruth looked around her sitting room at the mess. The sofa was stacked high with ironing. There wasn’t a space on the floor that didn’t have something of Harry’s on it. There was loads to do before she could even think of leaving for work. Well, it would all have to wait. She hastily grabbed Harry’s things and stuffed them into a bag. It would get better — had to. Her job didn’t have regular hours so she’d have to rely heavily on Jake and the nursery to do the bulk of the childcare. With luck, Jake would sort out his newly qualified, and be a little more useful as the term moved on.

  It had been a tough decision to put Harry in a nursery. But what else could she do? She needed to work. She loved her job. Without it, Ruth Bayliss would be a mere shadow of her true self. But Harry tugged at her heart so much she thought it would break. She was torn, and riddled with guilt, particularly when his little face lit up like a beacon each time he saw her. She told herself that plenty of other women did it. They worked full time and raised perfectly normal, well-adjusted kids. Plus, as Harry got older, he’d love the nursery. There were so many activities, and the staff were great with him.

  As she pulled up outside the nursery, Ruth’s mobile rang and her heart sank. It was Birch.

  “Sergeant Bayliss, we missed you at the morning briefing.”

  Ruth knew that tone. Full of disapproval and undertones of I hope this isn’t going to be the norm. She was late. Full stop. She’d try harder in future. She knew the score. Right now, Ruth didn’t need Birch’s reproaches.

  “A teenager’s gone AWOL from the Hobfield. One Elsa Ramsden. You may know the name. Family of rogues. DC Rockliffe has gone to have a word, but he’s having difficulty getting a response from the house. He says they are in. Simply won’t talk to police. Join him as soon as, and report back to DI Calladine.”

  Ruth was trying to pacify Harry who was screaming in his car seat. “On my way, ma’am. Sorry about the noise. I’m just about to drop him off.”

  “It is urgent, Serg
eant. I don’t want DC Rockliffe left on his own. An experienced eye is called for. This may be nothing, but we can’t be sure.” With that, she rang off.

  Ruth cringed. That was all she needed — Birch on her back. This was what is would be like from now on. The constant juggling, the storytelling just so she could get by. Ruth wasn’t sure she could do it. It was already wearing her down. Her mobile trilled to life again. This time it was DC Rockliffe, known as Rocco.

  “Sorry, Ruth. I wouldn’t have bothered you but Birch rang me and insisted. I’m trying to speak to the girl’s mother but they’re having none of it.” His voice was shaky. “Bloody awful place. Top end of Circle Road. I’m not surprised Elsa’s done one to be honest.”

  “Where’s Calladine? Does he know?”

  “He’s got his medical with the doc this morning. I got the call before he got back. I’ve just spoken to Joyce, but now he’s doing something for Birch. That’s why I’m ringing you. I know it’s not what you want on your first day back but . . .”

  “It’s okay, Rocco. Where are you?”

  “I’m sat in my car, parked up opposite the house. I’ll wait until you get here.”

  “Give me ten minutes. I’ll just pop Harry into nursery and then I’ll join you.”

  The noise of Harry bellowing away in his car seat was deafening.

  “Doesn’t sound as if he’s up for it.”

  Rocco was chuckling, but he didn’t have to deal with a screaming infant. “They tell me he’s as good as gold once I’ve left. Apparently they’re all like that.”

  “Rather you than me.” Rocco rang off.

  Grabbing Harry and his things, Ruth hurried to the entrance. It was already gone ten and she hadn’t yet shown her face at work. Birch had every right to be annoyed.

  “He’s a lively one!” A young woman was walking up the path from the nursery in her direction.

  “Lively at the very worst time. I’m late for work. I’m going to have to dump him and run.”

  “My Gemma used to be just the same. I shouldn’t worry, they all come round in the end.”

  But Ruth had no time for chatter. She threw the woman a half-hearted smile and disappeared into the building.

  * * *

  You could set your clock by her. He liked that. She’d get up, have a quick shower, dress, do her hair, and add a little make-up. Then she’d be ready to log on promptly at eight for their daily date in cyberspace. She’d be sat on her bed in her school uniform, a smile on her face. He’d insisted upon this routine and she obeyed without question, wanting to please. And with good reason. She had suffered plenty of scathing comments during their virtual relationship. He was critical. He liked them a certain way.

  “Wear your hair down, Megan. It doesn’t suit you tied back, I’ve told you before.” He watched the girl snatch the bobble from her ponytail. Her blonde locks fell like a curtain around her young face. Now she was beautiful. Young, lovely and blonde — his favourite type. He closed his eyes. He couldn’t wait much longer. This one was the best so far. This one would be worth all the trouble, far better than her foul-mouthed friend. “That’s much nicer.”

  A flush of pleasure reddened her cheeks. “You’re still hiding from me. Why can’t I see you for real?”

  This again! They were never satisfied. He knew that plastered across her laptop screen was a picture of a young man with dark hair and a cute face. He had large brown eyes and a dimple on his right cheek. He’d chosen well. The image looked like a member of a boy band.

  “My picture’ll have to do for now. My computer’s got some weird fault. Skype isn’t working properly,” he said. What matters is that I see you. I like looking at you, Megan.” He watched her blush again.

  “But I’ve never actually seen you properly. All I ever get is that photo. I wish we could meet up. This is okay, but it’s no substitute.”

  Same old, same old. Why were they always like this? A few weeks down the line and it was all they went on about. Wanting to see him, to be with him. He couldn’t have that. Cyberspace was all they would get — until the very last time. He closed his eyes, savouring the prospect. Soon it would be Megan’s last time. She would be at his mercy, his very own, to do what he wanted with. He was almost ready. But not yet. He had to get rid of her friend first, she was stinking the place out. It wouldn’t be long before people got curious.

  “We talk, don’t we?” he snapped at her. “It’ll have to do for now. Tell me about last Friday. Did you do as I told you?”

  She smiled proudly into the screen. “Certainly did. You were right, Gaby won’t be so damn lippy now that we all know her little secret. You should have seen her face!”

  “You told the others?”

  “The whole class. None of them knew. She’s a stuck-up cow, serves her right. The truth is she’s no better than the rest of us. Her dad is a bloody jailbird. A murderer.”

  He smiled to himself.

  She continued. “My friend’s a gobby cow too. Word will soon get round. Elsa will tell the whole estate.”

  Not now, she won’t. She’s dead with no tongue. “You are very bad, Megan.”

  “Isn’t that why you love me so much?”

  He was silent.

  “Want to know what else we did?”

  “Go on.”

  She giggled. “Elsa took a sneaky photo of Gaby in the showers at school, after gym. Naked backside and all! It kept the class well entertained. She went ballistic. The head did too. Don’t care though. It was worth it. We have her now, she’ll have to do exactly what we tell her.”

  “You need to be careful. She might bite back.”

  “Not her, she’s a pushover.” She paused. “Your voice is funny. It always sounds weird, not normal like.”

  It wasn’t. He had software on his computer to disguise it.

  “Tell me, what are you going to do with the picture?”

  “We’ll blackmail the slag. She can keep us in dosh for the next few weeks.”

  “I have a better idea. Text it to all your schoolmates.”

  Silence. “Isn’t that a bit much?”

  “Don’t question me, Megan.”

  “You can’t tell me what to do!”

  “Well, in that case perhaps we should re-think this whole relationship.”

  That hit the mark. Her face fell instantly and he could see the fear in her eyes. “I’ll get into trouble at school.”

  “It will soon pass. Do it for me.”

  There was more silence, then, “Why do you live so far away?”

  He closed his eyes, his patience was wearing thin.

  “Because that’s how it is.”

  He saw the frustration in her young face.

  “Come and see me and I’ll text the photo.”

  “Don’t try to blackmail me, Megan.”

  Her face was flushed. He watched as she fiddled with her hair. He knew she wanted to please him, but she was wilful.

  “Okay. I’ll do it,” she said at last.

  * * *

  Ruth tapped on the car window. “Rocco! Want to try talking to them again?”

  “Sent me away with a gob-full when I tried earlier. I don’t know how they expect us to find her if they won’t give us the time of day,” he complained.

  “This whole thing’s probably a waste of time. The Ramsdens have a bad reputation. And I recognise the girl’s name.” Ruth was skimming the missing person report. “Elsa Ramsden. She’s one of Jake’s sixth formers. He’s spoken about her. She’s a real handful, full of it. Gives the teachers a hard time. There’s a gang of them, and she’s one of the worst. A bully with a vicious streak. Not someone you’d cross. You’d think she’d know better being an A-level student. But supposing she really is in danger? Elsa is just the type to annoy the wrong person.” She looked at the house across from where Rocco had parked. “That entire family are a nightmare. Come on then, let’s give it another go.”

  Ruth rapped on the front door. While they waited, she cast a critica
l eye around the small front garden. It looked like a rubbish dump. Food wrappers, empty drink cans and an old mattress filled the small space. “This looks like the communal dustbin.”

  Rocco shrugged. “They’re all the same down this street.”

  This time they had more luck. Mrs Ramsden yanked open the warped front door, swore, and gave both detectives a filthy look. She was small, with dyed blonde hair. Ruth put her in her mid-forties. She looked like a woman with a short fuse.

  Mrs Ramsden began to speak before they’d even opened their mouths. “I know who you are, and before you start, we don’t want no fuss. We don’t want you speaking to people, neighbours and the like. It doesn’t do round here.”

  Ruth attempted a smile. “A few questions about Elsa, that’s all. Who her friends are, what she gets up to, that sort of thing.”

  The woman shrugged. “You’re wasting your time. I know nowt. I do the best I can. I’m on my own with Elsa and three more. Lads, all teens, except Danny who’s twenty-two. It was him went down the nick. Soft, he is. He worries. He kept on at me to report her missing. Waste of time. She’ll be back when she’s good and ready. It’s easier just to let her get on with it. Elsa’s a big girl now. I don’t pry into her life, and she don’t say much.”

  Ruth stopped smiling. “She’s disappeared, Mrs Ramsden. Surely you want her found?”

  The woman was dismissive. “It’s Tuesday morning. She’ll have gone to school.”

  “Have you checked?”

  “No need. Elsa wouldn’t miss. She’s soft on that teacher of hers.”

  “Which teacher?”

  “Mr Ireson.”

  Rocco gave Ruth a little grin, and asked, “When did you see her last?”

  Mrs Ramsden folded her arms and blocked the doorway. “Friday morning when she left for school. You’ve been here long enough. People will see, and my boys won’t like it. Elsa or no Elsa, I can’t have the police tramping all through the house.”

  Ruth tried again. “I’m sure the boys’ll want us to find Elsa too.”

  “The Ramsden crew have a reputation on this estate. Elsa will be fine. No one would dare do her any harm.”

  “Was anything bothering her, do you know?”