by Leah Hope
“It must be such a worry for Heather, I’m sure she wishes Tony could be with her.”
“I’m sure she does too but I think she would worry more about the restaurant if they were both here. As helpful as Helen and Doug are, they aren’t as competent as Heather and Tony, but it’s so good of them to step in.”
“Yes that’s what you call real friends. I take my hat off to them both.”
“Oh I nearly forgot, Heather’s arranged for the builder to call around tomorrow. As you know, they were due to start this week so they’re going to discuss the options for a new date. If you remember, Maggie hasn’t even chosen the kitchen yet and it’s going to be a while before she’s up to doing that. I just hope they can get it done in time for Christmas for her, she was so looking forward to cooking dinner in her new kitchen.”
“Well it’s not September yet so there’s plenty of time.”
“Yes but you know what builders can be like. They promise to start and never turn up. I hope Maggie’s are the reliable type. She could do without the hassle I’m sure.”
“We could always take a trip to Bath and give her a hand with the planning, after Heather’s left I mean” said Gil reaching for another section of newspaper.
“That’s a good idea, I hadn’t thought of that. Although Heather said she’s intending to take her mum back to France with her for a few weeks, as soon as she’s fit to travel of course. She’s hoping to get back by the weekend.”
“That’s pushing it, isn’t it? It’s only just over two days ago that she was shot?”
“That’s what I thought, but I doubt Heather would take any risks, she’s pretty sensible. They’ve got to go back to the hospital on Thursday for a checkup so hopefully she’ll get some answers then. She’s going to ring us afterwards so we can….”
“I’ll get it this time” said Gil as the phone interrupted them.
Bridget decided to make another cup of tea while Gil answered the phone.
“That was Inspector Addison. There’s been a development and he wants to come round first thing tomorrow morning to talk to us. I tried asking what it was about but he said he would prefer to speak to us face to face.”
“I wonder if they’ve made an arrest? It would be wonderful if they have. I’ll put the local news on the radio while I’m making tea. Oh I do hope they’ve caught him.”
Chapter Twelve
Inspector Addison arrived at nine thirty the following morning. After a brief conversation with the uniformed officer posted outside, he rang the bell.
“Good morning Inspector, I’ve just made a brew, tea ok for you?” Gil asked as he led the Inspector through to the kitchen.
“Yes, fine, thanks. Black please.”
Yuk, Gil thought, but each to their own.
“Bridget will be down in a second, I think she’s just drying her hair. Oh, talk of the devil” Gil added as his sister joined them in the kitchen seconds later looking rather red in the face.
“Good morning Inspector, please have a seat. I hope you’ve got some good news for us. I put the local radio on yesterday after you rang hoping to hear about an arrest but they didn’t say anything.”
“Sorry to disappoint you Bridget but we haven’t made an arrest. I do have some very good news though. Firstly, we’ve found the gun, or at least we’ve found a gun. A dog-walker found it yesterday just after our meeting. It was hidden under a pile of rubbish in that little play-park at the far end of The Esplanade, not far from where we had the last sighting of the gunman, so it all fits. This is a real breakthrough as although we’re not expecting to find any prints, we’re pretty optimistic that ballistic tests will prove it’s the weapon the gunman used. We’re very lucky here in Whytecliffe that we don’t get much gun crime so it’s not as if there are a lot of weapons lying around. I would put good money on it being the one we’re looking for.”
“That is good news Inspector. When do you expect to get the results of the tests?” Gil asked.
“Hopefully later today. Strictly speaking I shouldn't be telling you this, so keep it under your hats for now if you will. And it goes without saying we don’t want the press to get even a sniff of this just yet. We’ll be issuing a press release later but not until we think the time is right.”
“Of course Inspector, and we are grateful for your keeping us up to date.” Bridget replied.
“I have to say Bridget, your account of how your lives had taken shape since your father’s death got me thinking. I’ve been in this job for over twenty years and I’ve probably seen it all. Most coppers get blasé after a time and, I suppose, a bit hard-nosed. Mind you, it doesn’t pay to be too sensitive in this line of work or you’d go under.”
“I can understand that” said Bridget. “I don’t know how you cope, you must see some dreadful things, road accidents and child abuse, that sort of thing. I know I couldn’t do it.”
“Horses for courses I suppose. I couldn’t bake a cake if I was starving or strip and engine if my life depended on it. But police work…I Just took to it like a duck to water. I see it as giving something back to society, but like you said, it’s not for everyone so those of us who can, should. If you see what I mean.”
“Yes I completely understand. I don’t think many people, me included if I’m honest, look at police work and police officers in that way. A lot of people have a very negative attitude, until they need you of course.”
“Indeed. Anyway, the point I was trying to make is that despite the number of years you’ve been doing this job, something happens out of the blue to make you sit up and think. Your story, sorry, that makes it sound like fiction, your lives have been turned upside down by a cruel twist of fate. Now as I’ve said, I’ve seen all sorts, but what happened to you all, your parents included, seems all the worse because it was caused by one of us, a fellow officer. I suppose what I’m trying to do in a round about way is to apologize, on behalf of the Whytecliffe force. I know it’s about thirty-five years too late and won’t make a jot of difference now, but I think it needs to be said.”
“That’s very thoughtful of you Inspector” said Bridget “And I’m sure I speak for both of us when I say that it’s much appreciated.”
“Very much so Inspector” Gil added.
“You’re very welcome Gil, you too Bridget. “Ok “said the inspector getting to his feet, “so unless you have any questions, I need to head back to the station.”
“Well that’s a turn up” said Gil after the Inspector had gone.
“What, finding the gun? Well the Inspector was pretty confident it would turn up.”
“No, not the gun, the apology. It just seems strange after all these years that someone is saying sorry for what happened to us. I know Inspector Addison thought it wouldn’t make any difference now, after all this time, but in some odd way, it sort of does. Do you feel the same?”
“I don’t know, maybe. I suppose I’ve just learned to live with it. You hear of an awful lot worse happening to people. It’s just a shame the Martin Collins letter came too late to help mum. She died believing Dad had been unfaithful to her. No amount of apologies can change that. So no Gil, on reflection what the Inspector said doesn’t make me feel any better at all.”
Chapter Thirteen
The following morning, passed without any new developments relating to the shooting, or at least none that Gil and Bridget were made aware of.
Bridget took a call from Heather just before midday. After talking briefly about how the police investigation was going, the conversation turned to Maggie’s check-up at the hospital. Heather was clearly very relieved to hear the surgeon say that he was pleased with her mother’s progress. Her wound was healing nicely and there were no signs of infection. However her stitches would need to stay in place for another four days, which put paid to Heather’s plans to travel back to France by the weekend. After she had broken the news to Tony, they had talked about the possibility of his coming over for a couple of days, if he could get a flight th
at is. Bridget wished them luck and made Heather promise to keep her updated.
Unlike Gil, Bridget was still finding it difficult to focus on anything other than the shooting and the hunt for the gunman. After the initial shock had worn off, Gil had seemed to shake off any concerns and carried on with his life much as normal. Bridget hoped he wasn’t simply bottling things up, but knowing her brother as she did, she didn’t really believe that was the case. Things that worried Bridget enormously just seemed to go over his head. Whilst part of Bridget was annoyed that Gil seemed so unconcerned, another part of her was envious that she couldn’t be the same. After breakfast, Gil had announced he would be spending some time at the garage. No doubt he would turn up in time for supper, completely relaxed after spending the day doing what he loved best. Realizing there was a lesson to be learned there somewhere, Bridget decided that an afternoon’s baking might just be what the doctor ordered.
A few hours later, a steak and kidney pudding was steaming gently away on the stove and a batch of mince pies (who said they were just for Christmas?) were cooling on the rack. Tempted to try one, but they really were far too hot, Bridget made herself a cup of tea and switched on the radio. Still tuned to the local news station, she just caught the end of the bulletin which reported that the gun believed to have been used in the shooting on The Esplanade on Sunday morning had been found. Bridget wondered if the news had been released partly to put pressure on the gunman. She could almost hear Inspector Addison saying “the net is closing in sunshine, so be a sensible chap and give yourself up.” Bridget hoped with all her heart that he was listening.
Gil arrived home half an hour later, coincidentally just as the mince pies were at a perfect temperature for eating. “Don’t spoil your supper Gil” Bridget had scolded after he had wolfed down two. “I don’t want this steak and kidney pudding to go to waste.” Gil assured her there was more chance of his scoring the winning runs against the Aussies at Lords than that ever happening.
Later, just as Gil was putting the last of the supper dishes into the dishwasher, the doorbell rang. “I’ll get it” he said, hurriedly wiping his hands on a towel. After the shooting, he had been very wary about letting his sister answer the door after dark, even with a bobby on the doorstep.
“Oh it’s you, come in Inspector” Bridget heard Gil say. She immediately filled up the kettle.
“Good evening Inspector, we were just about to have coffee, can I get you one?” Bridget asked popping her head around the kitchen door.
“I’d love one, black please. I hope you don’t mind me dropping in like this, only I was passing and I really want to speak to you both this evening.”
“No not at all. Gil, why don’t you take the inspector through to the living room, I’ll be with you in a few minutes.”
Gil and the Inspector made small talk until Bridget arrived with coffee and several mince pies on a plate.
“I suppose you heard on the news about the gun?” the inspector asked, taking a large bite out of a pie. “These are delicious by the way” he mumbled through a mouthful of the lightest pastry he had ever eaten. “I’ve always wondered why we only eat them at Christmas.”
“Yes I heard the news inspector. I wondered if it was partly for the benefit of the gunman, to let him know you are on his tail” Bridget inquired.
“You’re very perceptive, that’s partly why we did it, and to reassure the public of course that a dangerous weapon is off the streets. Between these four walls, I can confirm that the gun that was found yesterday was the same weapon that fired the bullet that we retrieved from your car.”
“That’s excellent news” said Gil. “So have you been able to trace who it belonged to from the serial numbers?”
“We’re still looking into that.”
“Ok, I know these things take time. But you didn’t call in just to tell us about the gun.”
“No, you’re absolutely right. The reason I’ve called to see you is to update you on an interview I carried out this afternoon. Following this interview, we have identified a prime suspect and have issued a warrant for his arrest.”
“Can you let us have any details?” Bridget asked.
“His name is Daniel John Collins, older son of Martin John Collins.”
Bridget gasped in astonishment. “So my theory was right?”
“It looks very much like it but until we apprehend the suspect we can only speculate as to his motive. After we spoke two days ago, we set about finding the police officer son of Martin Collins. We soon discovered that he is currently employed by the Metropolitan Police Service in London but his current address is given as 24 Parkview Gardens, Whytecliffe. I called at that address today and interviewed his mother, Elaine Patricia Collins, Martin Collins’ widow. Mrs Collins co-operated fully and gave me the following information. It’s quite a long story so before I begin, could I trouble you for another coffee, and, er, another mince pie, if there’s any going that is.”
“I’ll get it” said Gil jumping up. “I’ve got a feeling that I’m going to need something stronger though. Can I get you anything Bridge?”
“I’ll just have another coffee too, I think I want to keep a clear head for the moment.”
After Gil returned with the drinks, and some more mince pies, the Inspector continued.
“As I said, Daniel Collins, or Dan as his family call him, is employed as a police officer with the Met. Three months ago, he was part of an armed unit who carried out a raid at a property in the east end of London. I’m not able to go into details but save to say it was a dangerous and difficult operation. One suspect was killed at the scene and a second was seriously wounded but has since been discharged from hospital. Thankfully, no police officers were injured. As the remaining suspects were being led away, Constable Collins discharged his weapon at what he thought was another suspect hiding under a bed in a second floor bedroom. It turns out it was a six year old child. As the child was attempting to crawl out from his hiding place, he disturbed a baseball bat that was under the bed. When the end of the bat protruded from under the bed, Constable Collins thinking it was a gun, reacted and fired. Thankfully the child’s injury was only a minor one and he made a full recovery.”
“How awful” said Bridget. “For the child and the officer too, he must have been horrified by what he’d done.”
“I’m sure he was. Although it’s not routine to suspend an officer after a shooting, it was considered appropriate in this case as the victim was unarmed and a young child. The Independent Police Complaints Commission was informed, as is standard practice, and an investigation is on-going. For Constable Collins, things only got worse. He started drinking and during an argument with his wife, she fell and sustained a concussion. Elaine Collins was at pains to tell me her son is not a violent man and wouldn’t hurt a fly. Depression then seems to have set in, followed by some sort of mental breakdown. Fearing for her safety, his wife obtained an injunction order which forbids him to go within a mile of their home. Consequently Dan Collins returned to live with his mother just over three weeks ago.”
“I can’t help but feel sorry for him” said Bridget, “and his poor mother too, what a dreadful thing to watch happen to your child. So what happened next?”
“Well this is where things get a little unclear. At some point in the last three weeks, and we don’t know exactly when, or how, Dan Collins found his father’s letter to you both on his computer. He printed it off and showed it to his mother. She was distraught as you can imagine. She said she had no idea her husband had been carrying such a dreadful secret for all those years. And I believed her. She’s a former teacher, a respected member of the community and is struggling to come to terms with the fact that, and I quote “my whole married life has been a lie”. It’s hard not to feel sympathy.”
“This just gets worse doesn’t it? To think that man’s actions all those years ago have caused so much suffering and heartache. Is it ever going to end?” Bridget wailed, close to tears.
/> “I certainly hope so” the inspector replied. “Our first priority it finding this man. According to his mother, he left the house on the morning of Saturday the 25th of August and she hasn’t seen him since.”
“That’s the day before Maggie was shot” Gil said. “Surely that can’t be just a coincidence?’
“I think you’ll find that most coppers believe there’s no such thing as coincidence” the inspector replied. “What’s more worrying is that he left his medication behind, so he’s potentially mentally unstable, together with his mobile phone. Whilst we’re after him for attempted murder, his poor mother is convinced he’s planning to take his own life, if he hasn’t already done so that is. As I said we’ve issued a warrant for his arrest and his details have been passed to every force in the country. There’ll be bulletins on the local and national news, together with a description and photograph. The public will be warned not to approach him and we’ll be publicizing a special number to call for anyone who thinks they know his whereabouts.”
“Do you think he could have gone abroad?” Gil asked “After all we’re within easy reach of Dover and Portsmouth.”
“Well not easily without his passport, and his mother told me she found Dan’s in his bedside cupboard. We’ve alerted all UK ports however, and airports as a precaution. We’ve asked Mrs Collins to provide as many contact details as she can for her son’s acquaintances. The Met will be speaking to Dan’s wife in London to ask her to do the same.”
“You mentioned that Dan is the older son of Martin Collins, so presumably he has a younger brother somewhere?”
“Yes that’s right, and we’ve already spoken to him as a matter of urgency. Luke Collins is two years younger than his brother and for the last ten years he’s lived in South Africa. He’s currently employed as a vineyard manager in Stellenbosch, in the Western Cape.”