The newest members in the room appear shocked as their eyes widen. The sceptical members are now utterly baffled by the words Chief Inspector Lamont has spoken.
“Exactly…! I know what some of you are thinking, what sort of parent wouldn’t report their child missing?” He pauses, but not long enough to actually give anyone a chance to answer his question. “Yes, a guilty one! That’s who…”
Looking around the room at the shocked faces, DCS Terry is content with the reaction of their chosen attendees. He smiles as the sceptics within the room now appear to be open to the opposing view. Scanning around the table DCS Terry suddenly sees PC Lola Hollingworth nervously raising her hand. Her hand trembles slightly. Once given the nod by Chief Inspector Lamont, she speaks. “Sorry for jumping in, sir. As shocking as that is, and please take this the right way, I’m somewhat intrigued.”
He recognizes the young woman with the raised hand from a previous case. Chief Inspector Lamont replies, “Okay. What about, PC Hollingworth?”
“Well, it says here, on page thirty-six, that Matthew Honey presented some form of CCTV evidence, but it doesn’t say what the contents of this were, just that this was dismissed, and the USB stick was stored away. Can you elaborate on this at all?”
“Yes! Rightful question and a very good observation, PC Hollingworth.”
PC Hollingworth’s hands stop trembling and she appears relieved. Placing her arms back on the table, PC Hollingworth grabs her pen, ready to making notes. Making his way back to the front of the meeting room, Chief Inspector Lamont confidently continues, “It’s a simple one to answer, something which many of you may not have thought about. Actually, let me ask you, PC Hollingworth – why would you think that we would dismiss any potential CCTV footage we were presented with from this man?”
“In all honesty, sir, I’m truly unsure.”
“That’s okay. Does anyone else in the room have a suggestion as to why we may have dismissed this internal potential evidence? PC Blackwood, do you maybe have an opinion on this?”
“No Chief Inspector Lamont sir.”
“Okay, so not one person in the room can tell me why we may potentially dismiss any form of video evidence that Matthew Honey may present us with. DCS Terry, what about you?”
“Well, of course I know why.”
“Enlighten us.”
“It’s obviously because he’s a film maker isn’t it?”
“Yes! It’s exactly that! And that’s why you’re a Detective Super, isn’t it, Tez? No flies on this man. Matthew Honey is a professional film maker by trade. The footage he provided regarding supernatural activity and possession was laughable and nuts. He’d clearly produced this footage using his film making talents. Matthew Honey didn’t know how to cover his tracks regarding his daughter. This time, he didn’t have an alibi, any witnesses or even any explanation as to why he didn’t report her missing. And yet, he rocks up with CCTV footage of hauntings in the night.” Chief Inspector Lamont appears to be amused. Shaking his head, he continues, “So, this time, a broken and less confident Matthew Honey clearly panicked and for whatever reason he set about making a creative cover up film. Honestly, it’s laughable. Maybe one day after you help me put him behind bars I’ll dig it out of storage and let you watch the show.” Scratching his head and rolling his eyes, Chief Inspector Lamont continues, “So, PC Hollingworth, does that answer your question?”
“Yes, it certainly does. It didn’t even enter my thoughts, but yes, it makes perfect sense…” With a teacher’s pet smile, she continues, “Thank you very much for explaining this, sir.”
As the meeting progresses, months of work is revisited in as much depth as possible. Statement after statement, exhibit after exhibit – the evidence is overwhelming and copious. Yes, the challenge is strenuous, but each attendee is ready! This chaotic twisted trail has each of them guessing. Some evidence seems to suggest that Matthew Honey could have performed these awful deadly crimes against his loved ones. And other facts lead to a trail that’s almost stone cold, with complications and unlikely possibilities. With the room divided as to Matthew Honey’s involvement, all the important areas have now been covered.
It has been a longer working day than normal for most of the officers, but the essentials have been highlighted and DCS Terry is content with everyone’s contribution to the meeting. Now that they’re each armed with a vast knowledge about Operation Bee Sting, he believes that they’re ready to take on the challenge. With the clock ticking, everyone has finally been allocated a role and a designated partner for the duration of the investigation.
One extremely satisfied authority member in the room is DCS Terry. He has been partnered up with Detective Constable Maria Flores. Taking in her tanned complexion and deep brown eyes, DCS Terry admires her natural beauty. It must be her partial Mexican heritage that gives her skin tone that wonderful glow. But he will have to put his unprofessional ways to the back of his mind. DCS Terry and DC Flores have been assigned the most crucial task within the room. They must conduct full surveillance on Matthew Honey – not just throughout the working day, but full twenty-four-hour surveillance. Wherever Matthew goes, they must follow.
DC Flores walks across to her colleague with mounds of paperwork in her arms, her structure strong, her shoulders back and her head held high. This passionate career woman is extremely confident in her role within the Force and will not be messed with. Balancing the paperwork on her left arm, she puts out her right hand to DCS Terry, “A pleasure to be working with you on this, sir.”
Attempting to go in for a hug, DCS Terry says, “So formal, Flores. Come here.”
Instantly stepping back and pushing her superior away, DC Flores says, “Let’s get something straight, this is purely a professional partnership. I know of your reputation.” Placing her hand out once more, she continues, “Now, let’s start again. A pleasure to be working with you DCS Terry.”
With a slight smirk and mischievous eyes, DCS Terry loves nothing more than a challenge. He has been here before, he’s one hundred percent confident that he will charm his way through the barrier she has built. For now, DCS Terry decides to play the game and make her believe she’s in control. And so, acting like a gentleman, he shakes her hand and replies, “The pleasure is all mine, Flores.”
Chapter Eleven
Loyalties
The glass doors rotate rapidly as people continually rush to enter the building, whilst those inside jump into the fast-paced door system in order to leave. Like in a daredevil game, each individual hesitates before entering for fear of getting hit in the head by the spinning metal frame. Eventually, seizing the millisecond opportunity, they bravely hop into their chosen gap.
Inside this magnificent building, the uniquely designed interior fixtures make a bold twenty-first-century statement. Each décor item is in a prestige condition. Not a speck of dust can be seen. The windows throughout the building are gleaming. It’s a brand-new day and natural sunlight is radiating around this beautiful structure, creating warmth and an angelic glow. Marching his way towards the door, suited and booted in his shark grey suit, light grey shirt, jade green thick silk tie, and with his briefcase in hand, Matthew Honey proudly enters the impressive premises, of which he is the owner. He’s smiling from ear to ear. Positioned in pride of place, the words “Honey Productions” hang on the wall behind the reception area. Making his way to the reception desk, Matthew’s greeted by Daniel with his usual hyperactive tone, “Good morning, Matthew.”
“Good morning, Daniel. How are you today?”
“I’m alright, well, I had a solid session last night and there was an after party so I’m a little worse for wear, fuzzy head and all that jazz. But as we know, Matthew, that’s showbusiness for you.”
“What are you like Daniel.”
“You know I’m a social butterfly.”
“Yeah, that you are, Daniel. I swear, the youth o
f today, you all baffle the brain cells out of me.” Laughing, Daniel continues, “You could do with some loosening up in that suit of yours. Come on, shake that booty.”
With a huge grin, Matthew replies, “Ha ha, no you’re alright thanks. Think I’ll pass on that one.”
The front desk phone begins ringing. Relived, Matthew can’t help but feel that he’s literally just been saved by the bell.
“Good morning Honey Productions Daniel speaking.”
Smiling and turning his back to Daniel, Matthew heads to the centre of the reception area. Standing still with his briefcase in his hand, he absorbs the perfect ambience of the building. His empire, his pride and joy, his lifeline. Breathing deeply, he can feel the clean air filling his lungs to their maximum capacity before he breathes out. Matthew remains solely in the moment. Seeing the bodies of his employees and clients rushing around the building gives him a great internal satisfaction. As each person passes him they nod their head and bid Matthew “Good morning” before continuing to go about their day.
As he blinks his eyes and zones out, the movements of others begin to slow down. The people around him move at a snail’s pace before eventually coming to a halt. It’s as if time itself has frozen. Confused and in a daze, Matthew’s breathing becomes heavy. He feels as if he’s about to faint. Suddenly, deep within his mind, he hears the sound of sweet orchestral music, which gradually gets louder. This beautifully composed masterpiece relaxes him slightly, soothing his thoughts. Remaining in a trance-like state, raising both his arms, Matthew begins conducting the music he hears with his hands. Waving his briefcase in time with the symphony, he’s truly appreciating and embracing the peacefulness he now feels.
The bodies of those surrounding him are no longer frozen. Like a ballroom dance, they’ve slowly drifted together and are now hand in hand with one another. Moving in time with the gentle melody that’s playing, Matthew’s employees and clients in sync with one another glide around him as he remains stationary in the middle of the reception area.
Gracefully conducting the music, Matthew’s wrapped solely in the moment. As the brass instruments initiate and begin complementing this piece, the sweet sound of cellos, clarinets, harps and violins come back in. As more instruments sound in concert the symphony becomes louder and Matthew’s sense of euphoria grows. No sooner has his smile begun to develop at this dreamlike musical masterpiece, his eyelids flicker and they gently open.
There lies the truth. Like a smack to the face, a hideous and horrific reality presents itself before him. He doesn’t have a briefcase in his hand, he isn’t wearing a grey suit with a jade-green tie. In fact, he’s holding an almost empty bottle of vodka and is wearing the same black ripped jeans, faded dirty black t-shirt, leather jacket and beanie hat. There are no employees, no clients and the only other thing present with a heartbeat inside the building are the rats that have taken refuge in the walls and under the floors. Not only this, there’s no sunlight. The building has been boarded up with thick brown wooden sheets. Matthew’s pride and joy is no more! Honey Productions has gone into liquidation. Clients quickly rushed to sever all connections with Matthew Honey once the headlines hit and this empire, which was once strong, rapidly came crashing down. Like a domino effect, the personal tragedy that was out of Matthew’s control had catastrophic consequences for his livelihood too. Remaining the owner of the building, he decided to keep hold of it until his innocence is eventually proven, in the hope of getting all his staff and clientele back and trading once more. This building, much like his home, is derelict.
Matthew is extremely intoxicated and is beginning to sway. Confused he turns around and says, “Daniel?”
There is no one there. Not a single reply. Drunken Matthew staggers around the empty, dark, dirty, cold reception area. Shouting and slurring his words he says, “Oh yeah, that’s right, you all left me!” Swigging more of the vodka from the bottle, he scrunches his features as the liquid instantly warms his insides. “Me – Matthew Honey! Without me you would have all been nothing. Loyalties – pfft, there’s no such thing.”
Swaying across to the lift, he presses the button and waves the bottle around as he continues his rant, “I’ll show you when I walk through them doors with my Evelyn Jade. And then what? You’ll all feel the fools. Mark my words.” As the lift dings and the glass doors open, before stepping inside, he shares his final thoughts with the empty reception area, “I’m Matthew Honey, you will never win against me.”
Gulping down the remaining vodka, Matthew wipes his mouth before launching the bottle directly at one of the walls, where it smashes into thousands of pieces. He begins laughing hysterically at his destructive behaviour. Echoing around the empty reception area, this sinister cackle lingers even after the doors on the lift have closed.
Hearing both male and female voices rattling around his mind, Matthew gasps and jumps up. He had passed out drunk on the leather sofa in his office. Half asleep still but slowly coming around to the fact that he is no longer in the building alone, he grabs his pistol from the back pocket of his trousers in order to protect himself. Making his way towards the office door, he places his ear to the wood. The unknown voices sound serious and are getting closer. Stepping away from the door and panicking somewhat as there’s nowhere to go, Matthew’s aware that he’s completely trapped inside his office. “Shit, shit, shit. Just stay calm, Matthew,” he says quietly.
Pacing up and down and scratching his head, he has minutes, if not seconds, before the intruders come within metres of his location. Sobering up rapidly, Matthew places his back up against the wall and takes a deep breath in. Deciding to peer through the internal window which overlooks the huge office space where the voices are coming from, Matthew moves the blinds and scans the area. Suddenly appearing from out of the distance are two presentable and well-groomed people. Gulping back the lump that has developed in the back of his throat, Matthew breathes deeply, places his pistol back down his trousers and opens the office door. The male and female haven’t noticed him and so he shouts, “Can I help you? This is private property and you’re currently trespassing.”
They stop in their tracks and look across to where the voice has come from. Seeming surprised to see anyone inside this derelict building, the smartly dressed male says, “Ah, yes, I’m Detective Chief Superintendent John Terry and this is my colleague Detective Constable Maria Flores. We’ve received reports of unexplained noises along with a potential disturbance at this location. My colleague and I have been sent to check this out.” Making their way across to Matthew, DCS Terry continues, “We noticed the building wasn’t secure and so we entered to ensure that vandals hadn’t broken in. Can I ask who you are, sir?”
“Yes, I’m Matthew, the owner of the building.”
“Matthew?”
“Honey, why?”
“Just checking.”
“I’m going to need to see some identification from you both.”
“Sure, that’s not a problem at all, Mr Honey.”
Struggling slightly as he’s reaches inside the internal pocket on his jacket, DCS Terry grabs his badge and shows it to Matthew. DC Flores does the same. “This is some building you’ve got here. Have you just bought it?” she asks.
“No, I’m currently having some family issues. But all will be resolved soon enough and then I can invest back into the building.”
With a sympathetic tone DC Flores replies, “I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Right! So, now that you know it’s me in here I’d like to get on with my work, so can you please leave my premises.”
DCS Terry responds, “Sure, not a problem. And, just so you know, we’re always watching, day and night.”
Trusting no one, and unimpressed with the words DCS Terry has just said, Matthew instantly bites back and says, “What do you mean by that?”
“I just mean, you know, we’re always watching the area, making sure i
t’s safe.”
Remaining unconvinced even by this seemingly justifiable response, Matthew decides against digging any deeper. He wants these two untrustworthy authority members out of his building as fast as possible and so he simply replies, “Oh – okay.”
“Okay, so now that we are aware that the building is secure we shall leave you to it. Thank you for your time, Mr Honey.”
DCS Terry adds, “Yes, thank you for your hospitality.” Slightly smirking he continues, “Sure I’ll see you again at some point, Mr Honey.”
Squinting his eyes, and with his head low, Matthew peers up at DCS Terry and this time he chooses not to reply to his goading words. A response isn’t needed as Matthew’s current facial expression says it all. Remaining cautious about this law enforcement officer, another potential enemy to add to his list, Matthew’s instincts are telling him that something isn’t quite right.
He follows them into the lift and they make their way down to the reception area, without anyone saying a word. Matthew watches as they both leave the building. He then locks the doors.
Chapter Twelve
Has Anybody Seen My Daughter?
Sitting at his desk with his head in his hands, Matthew feels as if his brain is swelling. It’s pulsating, thumping repeatedly against his skull. He’s developing a strong sense of nausea along with an intense pain that shoots through his eyeballs. Feeling unsure if he’s strong enough to take on the challenge and find his daughter, Matthew is struggling to focus. He is in a very deprived and fragile state. Without a single molecule of alcohol inside his body, without his confidence juice, Matthew’s depression and lack of self-worth has kicked in. He looks at his hands, which suddenly begin to tremble. His body is attempting to detox, whilst at the same time he is craving the next drink. Not only are his thoughts confused, his internal organs are also much the same.
The Broken II: Tainted Trail Page 8