The next day at work, Tim mustered up the courage to talk to Brad.
“You know that there have been things troubling me.” Tim managed to say the words and the thing had been set in motion.
“Yes, I know.” Brad stopped what he was doing and paid complete attention.
“There are things that I need to get off my chest. You have offered, in the past, to listen when I was ready to talk. That time has come.”
“Did you want to talk now?”
“No. After work. Can you come around to my place this evening? You pick the time to suit you.”
“I need to go home first. The wife will have cooked, so I’ll have to eat. What about eight o’clock?”
“That’s fine.”
Tim had made his request late in the afternoon. Another hour and they would finish for the day. Only a short time to be met by Brad’s quizzical look every time he glanced in his direction.
The pressure was becoming less already. Tim and Ringo went for a long, brisk walk before Brad was due at 8 p.m. Tim put the kettle on and made sure his flat was tidy before the arrival of his guest. His first guest. No one else had ever visited him at his home.
Chapter 68
“Hello, Brad. Come on in.”
Ringo rubbed against Brad’s legs until he got the attention he wanted. They all went into the lounge.
“Take a seat. Would you like a cup of tea?” Tim offered.
“That would be great.”
The mugs were delivered and Tim settled into his chair. Brad sat fidgeting, anxious to hear what would come next. News of a terrible illness, perhaps.
“I’m probably going to make a hash of this, but I’ll be as clear as I can. I need to tell someone now in case I’m not around for much longer.”
“Are you ill?” Brad asked, looking alarmed.
“No. Nothing as simple as that. Just listen. Let me ramble and confess and then, well, we’ll see where we are at the end.”
A swig of tea, an adjustment in his seat, a nod of the head and Tim was ready to tell the tale.
“About eighteen years ago, I did something that meant I had to leave my family. I was wanted by the police and I needed to get away.” Tim had chosen these words so that he could avoid admitting to killing someone. That was the part he had to get right. Everything else did not matter so much.
“I ended up sleeping rough for a while and then I got a job. It was manual work, off the books, so I could use a different name and no one would check up on me. I worked with another man. His name was Hugh Miller.”
Brad now sat bolt upright and was open-mouthed. A question was on his lips, but Tim held up his hand to stop him.
“Hugh was an alcoholic and a drug addict. I did what I could to help him and, eventually, the inevitable happened and he died. I was desperate. Instead of reporting his death, I told our employers that he had left and I buried his body. We were about the same height and looked similar. I was able to get a new passport in his name with my picture in it and I adopted his identity.”
Shaking his head, Brad could not have spoken if he’d wanted to. What could one possibly say?
“I came to work here and then I met Caroline, and, well, you know that sad story. When she died, I was in a terrible state. About six months after that, I had a woman get in touch with me because she thought I was the real Hugh. His mother had died and she had some stuff that had been left to me – well, Hugh. Anyway, I contacted her. Kathy was her name. We got on well and I started seeing her. She made me laugh again after losing Caroline.”
Tim paused to wipe his eyes. Tears had formed and he was battling to control his emotions. Brad, too scared to talk, let him gather his thoughts and then carry on.
“I went to visit Kathy one weekend and when I got there, a neighbour told me she had been killed in a car accident. That was now three people that I had cared about who had died. Hugh, Caroline and Kathy. The thing is, I had profited from knowing all of them. I got Hugh’s identity, Caroline left me money, and Kathy passed on the stuff Hugh’s mum had left for him, which included a share certificate that was worth £30,000.
“I began to feel like I was cursed. Everyone I cared about had died. That’s why I stopped coming out and socialising. That’s why I didn’t come to your wedding. I felt like anyone I got close to would die as well. What this is all building to is that I have a daughter. She is married with a little girl, and I haven’t seen her since the day I walked out. I desperately want to see her.
“Going back, seeing my girl, would mean that I risk being caught for my crime after all this time. I have thought about it for the past few years and I have come to a decision. What sort of life do I have now? I never go out, never have fun, I’m never really happy. As long as Ringo is taken care of, I don’t care about myself.
“I’m going to go and see her. I might be able to do that and come back here and carry on. Who knows? I think, somehow, that it won’t be like that, and that is why I need to be prepared. Okay, first of all, Ringo.” The dog looked up at the mention of his name. “I would really like you to take him, but if not, could you make sure that he goes to a good home.
“I’ve left a will for everything to go to Beth, my daughter. I’m not saying that I’m going to die.” Brad had been disturbed by that piece of information. “But it doesn’t hurt to get things in order. Everything I have told you has been written down in more detail as well, should you need it.
“There is nothing for you to do with this information at the moment. If it all goes off the rails, you might have to do something. That would be looking after Ringo and ensuring that my paperwork is handed over to the necessary people. It’s all in envelopes, with who should have what. This is a spare key, you ought to have that.”
Tim sat back and sighed. Then he smiled. That was a cathartic experience, and he felt lighter as a result. Brad was the one who now looked like he was under an enormous burden.
Chapter 69
Brad thought of dozens of questions to ask Hugh, or whatever his name was, after he had left his flat. The only ones he could think of whilst he was there were the dangerous ones. What was his real name and what crime did he commit? He thought he knew his boss, but now he was not so sure.
Not knowing about the original crime was concerning. If he had to go on the run, leaving his family behind, it must have been pretty bad. That was one thing, but there was plenty more to worry about. Running through the conversation in his head, Brad knew there was identity theft and there must be charges resulting from burying the real Hugh without informing the authorities. If Hugh was caught, he would be spending time in prison.
There was so much new information just from that brief conversation. After Caroline, Hugh had met another woman and had a relationship with her. Scanning his memory, Brad remembered the time when Hugh had been off work for a week a few years ago. It was a noteworthy event because he was never sick. There had been talk of stress. Caroline’s death finally catching up with him, or could it have been related to losing another girlfriend?
No wonder Hugh had succumbed to stress. Not even a year after Caroline had died, his new girlfriend, Kathy, had been killed in an accident. Add onto that the incident with the real Hugh, and it was surprising that he hadn’t gone completely mad. Or maybe that was the point that he had now reached.
What type of person could run off and leave his family? What type of person could move a body, bury it and take that person’s identity? Brad thought about all the women that Hugh had dated over the years and what had seemed like a man having fun. Had he exploited them in some way as well?
No wonder he felt like he was under some sort of curse. Hugh had told him how three people had died from being involved with him. For a moment, Brad wondered whether their deaths had been natural or something more sinister. Surely, he wouldn’t kill someone?
“Hi, Brad. You weren’t gone for long,” his wife Holly said.
“Er, no.”
“What did Hugh want to see you abou
t? Is he okay?”
“Yeah. He has a lot on his mind. I think it’s still all about Caroline. He apologised for not coming to our wedding. He had another couple of friends who died as well and thinks he brings bad luck. Didn’t want to curse us, so he stayed away.”
“Oh no. It’s so sad to see him weighed down by all of this. We’ve tried to help him over the years, invitations to dinner and nights out. Now we know why he stayed away.”
“I think that talking this evening, getting it off his chest, really helped. He seemed a lot brighter by the time I left. I wish there was more that I could do.”
“You went there tonight when he asked to talk. You were there when he needed you. I think that is all you can do.”
“You’re right.”
Brad was not going to burden Holly with what he had learned. It might be that Hugh would see his daughter, come back, and then carry on as normal. He would always wonder, though, what it was that Hugh had done. If they were still looking for him after eighteen years, it must have been something significant.
So, Hugh had a daughter and a granddaughter. That meant that at some point he was probably married. There had been no mention of Beth’s mother in the conversation. Shaking his head to banish the thoughts, Brad tried not to wonder what the absence of any reference to her meant. Either they didn’t get on, or she was no longer around.
If Hugh had to go away, Brad would be happy to take Ringo. The dog was well behaved and gentle, which was perfect because he had young children. Ringo was good now, but what would he be like if he lost his master? Brad sincerely hoped that he wouldn’t have to find out.
At work the next day, Hugh appeared happier than he had for some time. Still quiet, there was a slight spring in his step. Having told his story and made the decision to see his daughter, he was moving forward. Ringo trotted at his side and Brad watched them as they walked along the docks.
A cold day, with a fresh breeze, Brad shivered as a chill ran through him. It could be the wind or it could be something else. Seeing Hugh and Ringo strolling in the distance, he had a sense of foreboding. He wasn’t sure whether that was because his friend might be going away, or that he might be coming back.
Chapter 70
At the weekend it would be Beth’s twenty-eighth birthday. Nicole was nearly four and Beth had just found out that she was pregnant again. No doubt the Panos family would turn it into a double celebration. Her, Alex and Nicole were going to the restaurant for a meal on the Saturday night. Sunday was her birthday and that would be a family day at home.
Nicole, dark haired and olive skinned, was wearing a red dress. Her patent shoes were her favourites, prancing rather than walking when she had them on. When they went into the restaurant the child would be claimed by Irene, and Beth would not see her again for some time.
As predicted, Nicole had been nabbed and was being passed around the other members of the family who were in the restaurant that night. Alex and Beth sat at their table, relaxed, knowing that she was in a safe environment and that they could let their guard down for a while.
A lovely meal was enjoyed, and then a birthday cake was brought from the kitchen with much fanfare. Loud singing followed and Nicole helped Beth blow out the candles. News of her pregnancy was spreading and members of the family had arrived at their table to offer congratulations.
Asleep as they headed home, Nicole was carried to her bedroom by her father.
“That was a good night. I’ve eaten so much, but it was delicious.” Alex sat down and undid the belt on his trousers.”
“Ah, your family always do us proud. Nicole loves being made a fuss of by all the aunts and uncles,” Beth replied
“The news is out about your pregnancy. The Panos clan do love a new baby to fuss over. I wonder if they will all end up in the pub again, like last time.”
“Hopefully it will all be a bit calmer as it’s the second one. Your mum and dad will be at the hospital, though. They won’t want to miss anything.”
“Are you feeling okay?”
“A bit tired. I think I’ll go to bed soon.”
“Yes, more celebrations tomorrow, but just with me and Nicole.”
“I do love your family, but when you have morning sickness and are, basically, knackered a lot of the time, they can be a bit much.”
Served breakfast in bed by her husband and child, Beth had a great start to her birthday. Not feeling quite so sick that morning was an added bonus. Lounging in comfy pyjamas while opening presents, drinking tea and watching television was on her agenda. An episode of Tales of Retribution, of course.
The masked detective did not have such a large role in her life anymore. Beth still watched her favourite programme every now and then and carried the figure she’d bought at the comic con. And she still thought about what she would do if she saw her father, but not so often as she once did.
It was difficult to be angry when life was this good. Happily married, a beautiful daughter and another child on the way, now part of a big, noisy, over-the-top family. Where retribution was once an imperative, it had been relegated to a wish, a fantasy. On her birthday, her father was not impinging on her thoughts.
The sound of the front door opening made Beth and Alex look up. The door was unlocked. Alex’s parents and maybe other members of the family would call around at some point during the day. They had expected them later, though. They were sat in the kitchen and Alex, who was facing the door, was the first to see a strange man coming along the hall.
Beth saw her husband’s face, and she stood up and pulled Nicole to her side. Alex was now out of his seat, too. Appearing in the doorway was a grey-haired, potbellied man. Beth knew right away who it was.
“Dad.” Staring at her father, Beth heard the gasp from Alex beside her.
Chapter 71
There was one of those frozen in time moments, as everyone had a second to realise what was happening. Tim looked from Beth to Nicole, taking in the fact that he was here with his daughter and granddaughter at last.
“What do you want?” Alex recovered first and spoke.
“I wanted to see my daughter and granddaughter. I can see by the look on Beth’s face that I am an unwelcome guest, which doesn’t surprise me. I needed to come here, to see you and say happy birthday and I’m sorry. To you, my words may sound hollow, but I mean them.” Tim looked at Beth as he made his apology.
As Beth’s father spoke, she spied a knife on the table and moved her hand slowly towards it. Shoving Nicole behind her, Beth grabbed the knife and held it out in front of her. Alex looked horrified and everyone froze again.
“I don’t mean you any harm. I just wanted to see you.” Tim’s hands were held out in front of him, appealing for calm.
“You killed my mother.” With the knife in her hand, Beth had found her voice.
“Yes. And in my way, I have paid for that. Karma has visited a type of justice on me.”
“You are still alive.” Beth was now icy and determined. “So, justice has not been done.”
“Sometimes I think I would have been better off dead. I’m not going to tell you what has happened to me, it will sound like an excuse. Things have not been good, though.”
“Nothing you can say will make me feel sorry for you.”
“Exactly, so I won’t try. I’m glad that I came here, despite the reception. You have a beautiful family and I am happy for you. I wish you the best for the future. I don’t think we will see each other again, but I will treasure this moment. As awkward as it has been.”
“It’s my turn now.” Beth took a step towards her father. “Yes, I have a beautiful family. You murdered my mother and then I had to live with Nana – you can imagine what that was like – only for her to drop dead when I was seventeen. Through determination and with the help of good people like Alex and Anna, I managed to come out of this relatively unscathed. As I was watching Tales of Retribution, you were strangling my mother. He taught me that people have to pay for their crimes and y
ou have to pay for yours.”
Another step forward. Tim did not move, but Alex did, standing in between Beth and her father, his features set. He was not going to give way. His back was to Tim which, oddly, felt like the safer option.
“Stop. Think about what you are doing.” Alex halted Beth’s advance and then addressed Tim. “Ever since I have known Beth, and probably for all of her life since the day her mother died, she has had one goal: retribution. She swore that if she saw you, she would kill you. At this moment she hates me for stopping her. If I let her achieve her goal, I will lose her. She will be a killer too, and even if, by some miracle, she didn’t go to prison, she would have to live with the fact that she has ended up like you.”
Beth moved her focus from her father to Alex. The knife was put back on the table and she started to cry. Nicole, who had been stunned by events she didn’t really understand, now became upset too, repeating “Mummy” over and over again.
“I’m sorry.” Tim’s voice broke as he apologised again. Turning away, he walked back out of the house.
Crying as he walked away, Tim felt strangely triumphant despite the upset his visit had caused. He had seen Beth and Nicole. Some time was needed to reflect on what had happened, but he did not think it would alter the way he felt.
Going to see Beth would be a catalyst for something. Tim knew it would bring a change, but he did not know what it would be. Having completed his mission, everything had become clear.
Chapter 72
It took a few minutes to establish order in the Panos household. Beth stopped crying, and when that happened Nicole calmed down too.
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