Ultimate Dilemma (Justice Again Book 2)

by M A Comley

  “Yes, how?”

  The blows came then, heavier with each one until the assailant’s arms grew tired and he lay unconscious on the tarmac.

  “Damn, it was too quick. I despise you. For what you did back then, you’re despicable beyond words.”

  Walking back to the car, the attacker refused to glance at Ellis Bird. The engine was already running. Foot on the accelerator, the car drew away, not bothering to go around the obstruction. Instead, the car rocked from side to side as the wheels connected with the man’s body.

  Even if he wasn’t dead before, his breath will have left his body now.

  Screeching out of the car park and into the flow of traffic, it was a long time before the killer let out the stale breath burning their lungs.

  “I did it. Another one down. The list is getting shorter.”

  The final blow would be dealt tomorrow, if everything went according to plan in the meantime.

  No remorse…never feel remorse, not when the repayment is so sweet.

  11

  Katy didn’t make it home at a reasonable hour even that night, work and the clues they were chasing saw to that.

  Damn this killer, they’re definitely keeping me on my bloody toes.

  Patti greeted her with as much enthusiasm as she felt for attending a murder scene at eleven o’clock at night. “Hi, did you make it home?”

  “Nope, did you?” Katy asked.

  “I wish. I was finishing up a PM when I got the call about this one. Tell me you’re getting closer to picking this bastard up. I’m not sure how long I can last without seeing my comfy bed.”

  “Why don’t you delegate? You work too hard. Surely there are other pathologists who could take your place, aren’t there?”

  “Nope, we’re short-staffed. Anyway, if you want something done the right way, it’s better to do it yourself rather than rely on someone else’s inept attempt to accurately portray what happened.”

  “Fair enough. Care to fill us in?”

  Katy and Charlie shuffled forward, their protective suits and shoes rustling in the slight breeze, to get a closer look at the victim highlighted under the temporary spotlights the SOCO team had erected at regular intervals around the corpse.

  “The victim is apparently the manager of the supermarket. You’ll be pleased to know we have a witness to this one, ladies.”

  “Well, that’s good news. Where are they?” Katy scanned the area.

  Patti pointed to a vehicle with its interior light on, beyond the car park in a side street. “An older gentleman, he’s pretty shaken up.”

  “I can imagine. Does he know the vic?”

  “Not sure. What, you want me to do your job for you?”

  “All right, don’t have a pop at me. Go on, what about the vic, how did he die?” Katy peered closer at the body. “No, that’s not tyre marks over his face?”

  “It is. There are several other injuries. Again, I’m linking this one to the previous victim if only due to the similar weapon being used. My take is that he was beaten with a metal bar and then run over to ensure he was dead.”

  “Jesus. This perp definitely isn’t keen on leaving any loose ends, like keeping one of them alive, right?”

  “Yep, the same thought ran through my frazzled mind. They’re keen to make sure no one survives the attack.”

  “So definitely premeditated. None of the other victims had been burgled, so each of the attacks had been thought through, I’d say,” Katy suggested.

  “You have an ID for him?” Charlie asked.

  “Yep, his name is Ellis Bird and his address is on his driving licence if you want to make a note of it, Charlie, it’s in the evidence bag over there.”

  “Thanks, I’ll get it.” Charlie stepped away.

  Patti and Katy crouched beside the corpse. Patti said, “The fear was still showing in his eyes when I arrived. The first thing I did was to close them.”

  “Shame they didn’t reflect who the bloody murderer was. This investigation frigging stinks.”

  “Maybe having a witness this time around will give you the impetus you need to move forward.”

  “Why allow someone to see them? The killer has been extra vigilant up until now, so why change?”

  “Maybe because we’re in the middle of a high street this time. Perhaps the killer thought this would be the ideal spot to kill him if he was aware of where he lives. I don’t know the area this particular victim lives in, it could be built up compared to the previous two vics.”

  Katy rubbed her chin. “You could have a valid point.” Charlie reappeared and showed Katy the address. “I know it, and yes, Patti, you’re right, it’s too built up. Killing him here would’ve likely been their only option, except they hadn’t bargained on there being a witness.”

  “Or CCTV footage from the security cameras at the rear of the building.”

  “Crap, I hadn’t noticed,” Katy said. “We’ll get those sorted ASAP first thing in the morning, remind me, Charlie, will you?”

  “I’ll arrange to get the footage myself, how’s that, boss?”

  “Good, good. Okay, I’d better have a word with the witness, get his take on things and send him on his way. I’ll be back soon.” Katy walked in the direction of the parked vehicle.

  The driver was staring at her with every step she took towards him.

  “You do that. I’ll finish up here and get the vic settled in the fridge overnight, ready to start the PM in the morning. There’s no way I’m doing it tonight, not after the day I’ve had.”

  “About time you put your foot down, Patti,” Katy bellowed over her shoulder.

  The man opened his car door and hopped out from behind the steering wheel.

  Katy smiled. “Hello, sir. I’m DI Katy Foster, the SIO on the investigation. Would you mind telling me what you saw? As it’s rather late, we’ll arrange to take a proper statement from you in the next day or two, if that’s okay with you?”

  “I’m Paul Somers. I don’t mind either way. Yes, okay. Right, well, I’d nipped in the supermarket to get a bottle of wine. They’d run out of their usual quality brand, and stocks were quite low, therefore, I decided to nip around the corner to the off-licence. I bought a similar grape variety and was just on my way back when a car came tearing out of the car park. Almost mowed me down in the driver’s haste to get out of here. I was livid. Raised my fist at the bastard, sorry, to the thug, but they refused to stop. I was grateful they drove off when I came around the corner and saw him…lying there.”

  “The victim?”

  “Yes. I know first aid but decided to hold back. I did touch his neck to see if there was a pulse, no such luck. I got on the phone to the operator right away, called nine-nine-nine and requested the police, apprised the operator of the situation. The woman asked if I required an ambulance as well. I made the call not to have one. It was obvious he’d gone. Why would anyone do something like that to another human being? The car which left in a hurry obviously did it on purpose, right? No one knocks someone over like that and leaves the scene, do they?”

  “Unfortunately, hit-and-runs happen all too often for my liking. Did you get a good look at the vehicle, sir?”

  “Yeah, and the driver, although I won’t be able to give you much there, as they were wearing one of those vile hoodies. The car was a red VW, one of the sporty versions.”

  Katy jotted the information down and hesitated, apprehension spiking whether she dare ask the next question on her tongue. “And the registration number?”

  He held up a finger and dipped into his car. He emerged holding up an old envelope. “You’re in luck. I don’t usually have a pen and paper on me. It just so happens I had a list with me tonight while I went shopping.”

  He handed the paper over, and again she wrote down the information, her adrenaline shoving aside the apprehension she’d felt a moment earlier.

  “That’s brilliant. If I can take down your address.”

  He reeled it off. “Any assis
tance I can give, just shout. We need to rid the streets of these maniacs, there are far too many of them these days. If it’s not knife crimes…sorry, you don’t need me telling you that, I’m sure you’re aware of the crimes we have to put up with in this area.”

  Katy smiled. “Sadly, all too well. I have to action this information swiftly if we’re going to catch the person responsible, sir. I can’t thank you enough for being super observant. We’ll be in touch soon.”

  “My pleasure. I’ll be on my way then.”

  Katy called the station as she darted back to the crime scene. “Yes, I need to get a bulletin out. All vehicles to be on the lookout for a red VW with this registration number…” She read out the details to the woman on control. “I need the ANPR cameras checked as well. My partner and I are on our way back to the station now.”

  “Leave it with me, Inspector Foster. I’ll get this actioned ASAP.”

  “Keep me informed, as and when you find anything.” Katy ended the call and watched Paul Somers leave the area. “I wish there were more diligent people like him around, it would make our lives a lot easier. He got the plate number. I’ve asked control to get onto it now. Charlie, you and I should make a move. I think we might have a long night ahead of us.”

  “I’m up for it. I’ve already rung Brandon to pre-warn him not to expect me before midnight.”

  “I’ve got to break the bad news to AJ yet. Can’t say I’m relishing the prospect. But needs must as they say. We need to catch this bastard, and soon. Tonight would be ideal.”

  “What are you hanging around here for then?” Patti asked. “Shoo…let me get on with my work. Judging by the clouds gathering, I think we’re going to get a downpour soon enough. They predicted a bout of thunderstorms at the beginning of the week, but they haven’t materialised as yet. It’ll be just my luck the heavens open tonight.”

  “Less chatter and more work then would be my advice.” Katy winked at the pathologist.

  “All right, I’m on it now. Good luck, keep me informed if you find the suspect.”

  “Don’t worry, you’ll be at the top of the list.”

  Katy and Charlie tore off their protective gear and ran back to the car, dumping the suits in a sack close to Patti’s van.

  “Things are definitely looking up for us, Charlie.”

  “Good, it’s about time.”

  Katy decided to text AJ to break the news to him. A response came back within seconds: Stay safe. I love you.

  She sent three love hearts and an I love you in return.

  Katy wasn’t looking forward to telling yet another victim’s family about their loved one’s passing, but here she was, standing outside the family home, jiggling from foot to foot while she waited for someone to open the door.

  It took a while for the woman to appear. She had her hair wrapped in a towel, her dressing gown pulled tightly around her. “Hello, can I help?”

  “So sorry to disturb you, Mrs Bird.” Katy showed the woman her ID. “Would it be possible to come in and speak with you?”

  “Oh my, it’s not my husband, is it? Ellis is late home, and I’ve tried calling him several times but received no response. I thought a bath would help me to relax. I was getting myself in a right state.”

  “Yes, it’s concerning your husband.”

  She clutched a hand to her chest and staggered back into the hallway, allowing them access. Charlie closed the door behind them, and they followed the shocked woman into the first room on the left. The lounge was decorated in muted brown and creams. Large geometric pattern curtains covered the two windows. Mrs Bird took a seat by the fireplace and motioned for Katy and Charlie to sit on the sofa.

  “Please don’t tell me something dreadful has happened to him. I couldn’t bear you telling me that. We’ve had such a dreadful few months. Both our fathers have died recently, and the loss has been horrendous to deal with.”

  Katy swallowed down the lump that had emerged in her larynx. “I’m sorry, it is bad news, I’m afraid. This evening, your husband’s body was found lying in the car park at the rear of the supermarket.”

  The woman listened. Her mouth dropped open, and she shook her head. “No, don’t tell me that. Not Ellis. Not my baby. He can’t be gone, I need him.” She covered her face with her hands.

  “Charlie, can you make Mrs Bird a cup of tea?”

  Her partner rose and tore out of the room, Katy suspected out of relief. She wished she could do the same.

  “I’m sorry for breaking down, he’s my everything.”

  “Is there someone else in the house or someone you’d like me to call to come and be with you?”

  “No, there’s only us here now. The children have both left home, they have their own families. How am I going to break the news to them? They both adore their father.”

  “Would you like me to call one of them, would that help?”

  “No. I’ll do it.” She reached for the mobile sitting on the small octagonal table beside her chair and scrolled through it. “Gemma, sorry to wake you, love…yes, I know it’s late…I’ve got the police here…it’s your father…something dreadful has happened…can you come and be with me? I quite understand if you don’t want to…okay, I’ll see you then. Goodbye, sweetheart.” Amy ended the call. “She’s going to contact her sister. They both live around the corner. If they lived farther away then I wouldn’t have told her over the phone for fear of either of them crashing. Sorry, I’m wittering on. My mind is racing ahead. He was found, was it a heart attack? I thought he seemed a little peaky a few days ago, but that wore off. He assured me he was fine and that he didn’t want to visit the doctor. Now he’s dead. Why didn’t he listen to me? Stubborn bloody man.”

  Charlie returned and placed a mug on the table next to Mrs Bird. “There you go, I’ve made it nice and sweet to ease the shock.”

  “Thank you, dear, that’s most kind of you.”

  Katy struggled to find the words to tell the woman the truth without causing her further distress. “No, it wasn’t his heart, at least not initially. Your husband was attacked, which led to him being murdered. I’m sorry, I know that’s not what you want to hear.”

  Mrs Bird stared blankly at her, her hands clenching and unclenching in her lap. A noise sounded in the hallway. Her gaze drifted to the door, and two young women entered the room. They hugged their mother, sobbing and crying in disbelief.

  Amy Bird appeared to gather strength from her daughters’ appearance. “There, there, loves. Everything is going to be all right. Come, sit with me. The inspector was just about to tell me what happened to your father.”

  The three of them squeezed onto the easy chair, Amy taking her seat while her two dumbstruck daughters balanced on either arm.

  Katy smiled tautly at the two daughters. “I’m so sorry to have to share this news with you all this evening.”

  “What happened? Is he going to be all right?” one of the newcomers barked.

  Her mother patted her knee. “No, sweetheart, he’s gone.”

  “Gone? As in, dead?”

  Their mother nodded. “Yes, let’s hear the inspector out, Gemma, she’s trying to do her job.”

  “I need to know how he went,” Gemma replied. She placed an arm around her mother’s shoulders.

  “Your father was found in the car park behind the shop,” Katy said. “The pathologist is still at the scene. I won’t be able to share her findings with you just yet, not until a post-mortem has been carried out.”

  Gemma shrugged. “What have you told us except that he’s dead? Don’t you think we have a right to know?”

  “Of course you do.” Katy sighed. “I appreciate how difficult this is for you all. What I can tell you is that we’re dealing with several other suspicious deaths in the area which have occurred in the past week to ten days.”

  “Suspicious in what way?” the other daughter asked.

  “All the men were murdered, we’re presuming by the same suspect.”

  “W
hat?” Gemma leapt to her feet and crossed the room to stand in front of Katy and Charlie. “You’re telling us he was murdered? How? Why? Why him? What are you doing about it? Shouldn’t you be out there trying to find his killer instead of being here with us?”

  “Gemma, please, sit down,” Amy said, her tone stern but gentle.

  “No, Mum, I want answers and I don’t hear any forthcoming so far.” She faced Katy again and, hands jabbing at her hips, she demanded, “Well?”

  “Gemma, we’re doing our best. Since the first murder occurred, our investigation has been at full pelt, I promise you.”

  “And the murderer has been allowed to commit yet more murders. To rob families of their loved ones, why? Because you’re inept at your job, is that it?”

  “Gemma, either you apologise for your outburst or I’ll send you home,” her mother chastised.

  “Send me home, Mother? I’m not bloody ten.”

  “Then stop acting as if you are and give the officers some room. You’re intimidating them and upsetting me further in the process. Show some respect, I’ve just lost my husband.”

  “And I’ve just lost my father. A man I loved dearly and who I’ll miss until God takes me from this earth. Why? Why him? I keep asking the question but I’m not receiving any plausible answers. Why not?”

  Her sister left her seat and guided Gemma back to their mother’s side. They both sat heavily once more.

  “Please, while I understand the anger and trauma you’re experiencing right now, I can assure you, my team and I have all been working flat out on this investigation this week.” Katy wanted to add that she’d barely seen her own family since the first murder had happened. Her frustration level kicked up a notch.

  “And do you have anyone in mind?” Gemma’s eyes narrowed during her question.

  “Not yet. That’s not quite true, we have a possible suspect in mind. The problem is, we’ve been unable to act upon our suspicions because the suspect’s alibis have always checked out.”

  “Alibis?” Amy queried.

  “Yes, for when the incidents occurred. The pathologist can always give us a rough timeline. You can help us gather more information to add to the mix, if you’re willing to answer our questions this evening.”