by M A Comley
Once he arrived home, he made a point of spending the first ten minutes sitting alongside Fay as she read the girls their bedtime story. Feeling the need to be near his family, in light of what he’d encountered on his shift regarding the Walker family, didn’t strike that often, but when it did, Hero always succumbed to the need. Louie was stroking Sammy when Hero ambled into his bedroom.
“Hey, Munchkin, it’s time you were asleep.”
Louie shook his head. “Too early for me to go to sleep yet, Dad. Mum usually lets me read for an hour or so.”
“All right, no longer than that. Love you, son,” he said, kissing the boy on his head.
“Love you, too, Dad.”
He clicked his fingers for Sammy to join him, and together, they went to the kitchen to wait for Fay. He leaned against the counter and stared at the floor.
“Well, that was a surprise. What’s up?” Fay asked when she joined him a few minutes later.
“Nothing, just work. Needed to spend some quality time with my family for a change. Fancy a glass of wine?”
“There’s some red in the cupboard. You get that, and I’ll heat up your bolognaise, then you can tell me about your day.”
Hero cringed, uncertain he really wanted to tell her about his last stop on his way home from work.
“You’ve gone quiet on me. I take it the news isn’t good…you haven’t lost another colleague on duty?”
“No, nothing like that.” He sighed. “I had to tell a man that his wife had been murdered today. He informed me that his teenage son was at work with his wife, but there was no sign of him at the scene. He’s out there somewhere with this lunatic who we believe has been torturing and killing the postmasters and mistresses in the area.” He poured two glasses of wine then dropped into a chair.
Fay pressed the button on the microwave and crossed the room to him. She stood behind him and placed her arms around his neck. “Oh, darling, now I understand. I’m so sorry that you have to deal with this crap.”
“Not as sorry as I am for Mr. Walker and all the other relatives this idiot is tormenting by killing their family members. Let’s hope we effing catch this bastard soon. I get the impression he’s laughing at us. He’s already changed his car once to put us off the scent. What’s going to stop him from doing that every time he holds up one of these places? What if he ups the ante and starts robbing banks? It’s not improbable, once he gets a taste for the money. What I want to know is what his intentions are for this lad? At the moment, we have far more questions than answers, and to be honest with you, that’s what is annoying me most about these cases.”
“Oh, love, I have faith in your abilities. It might seem that these cases are impossible to solve right now, but you know as well as I do, it only takes the killer to mess up once—and that’s when you’ll be able to pounce on him. I feel sorry for the gentleman whose son is now missing, as if he won’t be going through enough grieving his wife. Poor man.” The microwave pinged. Fay kissed his cheek, went to retrieve his meal, and placed the steaming food in front of him.
“Thanks, Fay. Don’t be annoyed if I can’t manage it all.”
“Never. Just eat what you can. You’ll need to keep your strength up for the fight that lies ahead of you.”
Chapter 10
Hero sighed heavily after completing the live TV appeal. He’d ensured the public knew exactly what kind of monstrous person the police were dealing with and highlighted that the person involved had now taken a hostage.
The team sat around staring at the phones, waiting for them to ring for almost two hours before they finally jolted into action. Even then, most of the calls turned out to be from youngsters messing around. It peeved Hero that people could take murder and the abduction of a person so lightly. When he was growing up, he’d been very sensitive to people’s grief he’d witnessed on TV, but nowadays, a life meant nothing to most folks unless it affected them personally. What a brutal society we live in!
The results of Jason’s search of the CCTV footage around the Didsbury post office came in late that afternoon. “Boss, you might want to take a look at this,” Jason announced, popping his head around the door to Hero’s office.
He ditched the file he was reading and followed the young sergeant to his desk. “Okay, what do you have for me?”
“I’ve spent the afternoon looking at different footage surrounding the post office area, sir, and come up with this. It’s a white Avensis. I’m thinking it’s possibly the one that was stolen the other day.”
“Licence number?”
Jason tutted. “I’ve studied it from different angles and can’t be sure it’s the same one, sir. I’ve caught the end of the plate on two cameras and finally made out the last few digits. They don’t match.”
“That’s a shame, but we can’t rule it out. For all we know, this guy might have numerous plates he uses. Maybe he switches them every time he goes out. Have you planned out his route?”
“Not yet, sir. It’s taken me most of the afternoon to find the damn car. If you’re happy for me to proceed, then I’ll do just that.”
“Let me know what you find out. See if he leads you back to the same area the Laguna travelled to before it was ditched.”
“Leave it with me, sir.”
Hero’s gaze drifted to the clock on the wall. It was almost five. He thumped his thigh in frustration and went back to his office. He picked up his final letter that needed a reply but dropped it onto the desk again when his phone rang. “DI Nelson. How can I help?”
“Are you talking to me yet?”
Recognising his sister’s voice, he sat back in his chair and bounced a few times then answered. “I’ll never stop speaking to you, Cara. We’re bound to have disagreements now and then. What can I do for you?”
“Nothing. I was checking in with you before I left work, surprised that you hadn’t rung me, if you must know.”
“I would have, except it’s been chaotic. I take it you haven’t seen my face plastered all over your TV screen then?”
“No, sorry. Too busy.”
“With Rogerson, I presume?”
Cara exhaled a large breath. “Yes, with Rogerson. If you’re going to start on me again, I’ll hang up now.”
“I have neither the time nor the inclination for having another spat with you. I have too much on my plate as it is.”
“Sorry, didn’t mean to snap. Anything I can help with?”
“Not really. Several murder cases linked to raids on post offices and now an abduction of the latest victim’s son to contend with. We believe whoever we’re chasing is also linked to killing Portman and Wilmot. The trouble is, despite making two TV appeals, the clues just aren’t surfacing at present. This guy is probably holed up somewhere, laughing at our ineptness.”
“That’s tough. Want me to drop over tonight and do some brainstorming with you?”
“Any other time, I’d jump at the chance, but I didn’t get home until late yesterday. Thought I’d call it a day soon. Maybe another time, depending on what your plans are in the coming days, of course.”
“Okay, I’m here if you need me; remember that. Have a good evening, Hero.”
“Thanks. You, too, love. Thanks for extending the olive branch.”
“One of us had to do it. Love you.”
“Ditto. Speak soon.”
Hero hung up, relieved that all was well again between him and his twin. He quickly wrote his last reply then unhooked the jacket off the back of his chair and headed home for the evening, dismissing his team on the way out.
Myers smiled as he watched the copper in charge make his second appeal in as many days. Looking over at the youth he had tied to the bed in the corner, he grinned. “Got them going around in circles, I have. Over the next few days, they’re gonna wonder what’s hit them, and you know what…you’re going to be instrumental in my plans.”
The youth’s eyes almost dropped out of their sockets. The fear and grief was evident in his featur
es. His hands shook. But Myers still didn’t think the boy was terrified enough. Not yet.
He needed to make himself crystal clear from the beginning that he wasn’t the type of person to be messed with. He had nothing and no one to fear. If everything went belly-up and his life ended, it really wouldn’t matter to him. The only thing he had worth hanging on to in this life was Tiger—all because of them. The Greater Manchester Police Force had torn his life apart. He’d stewed on things for years, too many years, pulling off smaller crimes and getting away with it. But the time for his endgame had come.
Adrenaline filled his veins as more and more plans seeped into his head. He would let them believe it was all about the money, but it was about so much more. He intended to toy with them for a few weeks. He wanted to fulfil several more tasks before he finally bowed out of this world. He would end his own life, to be with her again. He refused to give them the satisfaction of doing it for him, but that time hadn’t come yet.
“What’s your name?” he asked, forgetting what the boy’s mother had called him at the post office.
The boy swallowed. “Dale Walker.”
“Well, Dale Walker. Fancy some fish and chips? My treat.”
“Something to eat would be nice, thank you.”
He left Dale tied to the bed, having no doubt the boy would try his hardest to escape his bindings once he was out of sight, but Myers had no fear the boy would succeed. He exited the recently purchased small detached home on the edge of a fairly new estate and walked around the corner to the fish-and-chip shop.
The young black girl behind the counter welcomed him with a brief smile. “What can I get for you?”
“Cod and chips twice.”
The girl worked quickly, taking the chips out of the fryer and the fish out of the heated cabinet. “Salt and vinegar?”
“Yes, on both.”
“That’ll be eight pounds fifty.”
Daylight robbery—used to be one sixty when my Mum used to send me down the chippie. Bloody inflation! Maybe I should whack her over the head and just take off. Nah, it’ll only bring the coppers snooping around this area. That’s the last thing I want.
“I could buy a big sack of spuds and a dozen fish from the supermarket for that price.”
The girl began to unwrap the parcel again. “Take it or leave it, mate. The price is up there on the board. It’s not like I’m trying to rip you off or anything.”
Sneering, he pulled a tenner out of his pocket and threw it over the counter at her. “Take the bloody money. I’ll be sure to take my business elsewhere in future—your attitude sucks, girl.”
“Whatever,” the girl mumbled as she rung the items into the till and handed him his change.
He snatched the food off the counter and stormed out of the shop. There was a slight nip in the air during his brisk walk back to the house. He unlocked the door and secured the bolt behind him. Dale tried to sit up, but his bindings prevented him from moving too far.
Myers put the food on the table and walked up to the boy. “Keep still. Any funny business, and you’ll go without your dinner, right?”
“I promise I won’t try anything.”
Dale was true to his word throughout the meal, and in spite of his grief, his appetite was extremely healthy. Myers put that down to him still being a growing lad.
“How’s the leg?”
Dale screwed up the paper and placed it on the table. “It still hurts. Not as much, though.”
Myers pointed at him. “Bear that in mind. Any crap from you, and I’ll make sure you never walk on it again. Am I making myself clear? You saw what happened to your mother…although that was down to you in the end. I had no reason to kill her.”
Tears welled up in the youth’s eyes, and his head dropped to his chest the second his mother was mentioned. “Why? Why are you doing this? You have the money from the post office. Surely that’s enough for you?”
Myers raised an eyebrow. “Why do you want to know what my motives are?”
“Just trying to make conversation with you.”
“Ah, I see. You think by doing that, I’ll get to like you, and it’ll make me reconsider any plans I have for you.”
“No, yes…oh, I don’t know. All I want to do is go home. I can’t see why you’re holding me here.”
“Questions, questions—stop with the damn questions.” He leapt out of his chair and punched the boy in the mouth. Blood poured from his split lip instantly.
Dale covered his mouth and stared up at him. “I’m sorry, please forgive me. I’ll keep quiet from now on.”
“Make sure you do. Speak only when you’re spoken to. You need to learn who’s in charge around here, boy. Keep that in mind at all times. Then, you might—just might—get out of this alive. You hear me?” He picked up the rope, waited for the boy to swing his legs back on the bed, then tied his hands to the metal headboard once more.
“I’m sorry. It won’t happen again. I want to go home. When can I go home?”
“Stop! No more questions; you’ve been warned. Heed that warning, or I’ll…” He held his fingers in the shape of a gun and pointed it at the boy’s head. “Get my drift?”
“Yes, sorry.”
“Ugh…and stop bloody apologising. You sound like a snivelling git.”
Dale watched silently as Myers moved back to his seat. He pulled a pad and pen from the drawer in the coffee table and started to make notes, laughing like a maniac now and again, with the intention of scaring the boy, just to keep him alert. Once he’d filled several sheets of paper with a dozen schemes he had for the boy, he set the pad and pen down. Starting tomorrow, he would truly have the coppers chasing their tails, but he needed another acquisition to add to his team first.
Chapter 11
Leaving the youth tied up at the house, Myers drove around the streets, on the prowl for his next victim. When he spotted something that piqued his interest, he drew into a parking space and switched off the engine. A pretty young woman was handing shopping bags to an older woman, who was loading them into the boot of her sleek Mercedes sports car. He watched as they laughed together. Scrutinising them further, he spotted the faint mother-daughter resemblance.
“Hmm…very interesting. I could definitely show those two a good time.” He shook the image he’d conjured up from his mind and concentrated.
The younger woman hopped in the passenger seat while the older woman wrapped her luxury fur coat tightly around her then slipped behind the steering wheel.
He started his engine, let the Mercedes pass him, and pulled out. Then he waited patiently for the opportunity to present itself before making his move. The Mercedes drove through the crowded streets and out towards the countryside. They’re probably minted. They came out of that swish boutique loaded down with carrier bags looking pretty chuffed with themselves. I’ll soon wipe the smiles off their smug faces.
He flashed his lights and sped up behind the vehicle. The Mercedes slowed down then sped up then finally came to a standstill as if the driver and the passenger had offered differing opinions on what they should do next.
He left the engine running and straightened his jacket as he advanced towards the car. The woman opened her window. “Sorry to trouble you. I noticed something hanging out of your boot. You might want to take a look for yourself.”
The older woman smiled broadly. “That’s so kind of you. We’re nearly home now. It won’t matter for another mile or two.”
He nodded. “Whatever you say, ma’am. I’d hate for you to get pulled over by the police. There’s every chance that your boot could fly open. If you have nothing valuable in there, I would suggest you continue on your journey. I’ve done my duty by telling you. Enjoy the rest of your day.” He strode away and heard the car door open behind him, followed by the second door and two sets of heels on the road.
He swivelled and walked back to the car.
“Thank you so much for taking the trouble to flag us down. That’s very kind of
you.” The two women approached the rear of the car and, seeing the boot firmly shut, turned his way. He punched the mother in the mouth first, and she dropped to the ground, out cold. Her daughter tried to run, but he jumped on her back then gave her a quick left and a right hook to the jaw before she tumbled to the ground. He had a fresh dilemma: did he take their car and ditch the Avensis, or would it be wiser for him to stick with the Avensis, which had fake plates attached? After a few seconds of deliberation, he picked up the mother and placed her in the boot of the Mercedes and slammed the door shut again. Then he scooped up the girl and dumped her in the backseat of the Avensis.
“Well, that’s bound to stir up some shit. Wonder if that Inspector Nelson will be assigned the case?”
He worked quickly, and once the girl was tied and gagged, he left the scene. His laughter filled the car when an image of a gang of youths, driving past the Merc and stopping to have a look inside before stealing it, filled his mind. “Let’s see how long it takes them to piece the jigsaw together on this one. You ain’t seen nothing yet, boys in blue. Nothing!”
The only other dilemma running through his mind was where he was going to keep the girl. He had numerous addresses he could use around the city, buy-to-let properties he’d recently acquired and was in the process of doing up and letting out. He’d run out of cash for the renovations, but that was no longer a concern. The sky really was the limit. He took the notebook he’d had in his glove compartment, which had all the addresses he owned noted in it. He ran his finger down the list. He needed one out in the sticks, not too far from where the boy was being held. “Aha, this one will do nicely.” He narrowed his eyes, and another crazed laugh filled the car when something even more devilish entered his warped mind. “I’ll just need to stop off somewhere en route first.”