Fuck you, then.
He pressed a hand to his stinging cheek as he watched her march away, turning back to sign to him.
You’re going to regret this.
Chapter 27
Tuesday 23rd April
Sasha had texted me the address to meet her and Lukas at the following morning, in an area of Scunthorpe I hadn’t been to very often. I used Google maps to navigate my way there, passing Silica Country Park and turning off into an area that any respectable estate agent would describe as ‘set in woodland’. Trees lined the streets, providing privacy to the large houses that were well spaced out along my route.
I turned into a cul-de-sac and found the right number, quietly impressed at the imposing gateposts at the end of the drive. The gate itself was wrought iron – fancy enough to suggest that the homeowner could afford nice things, and strong enough to serve a purpose. It swung open as I approached, and I drove a little way towards the house before parking my car behind Sasha’s. The drive itself swept round a neatly tended front lawn, which had a silver birch in the far corner, and had space for at least half a dozen cars. The tree must have been at least twenty metres tall and the top branches were swaying constantly in the breeze.
Sasha was getting out of her car as I parked, and together we looked up at the house. Judging by the number of windows, and the length of the house, it must have had at least six bedrooms and a large amount of living space on the ground floor. I took a couple of steps to the side and peered round the back, but there was another gate and a couple of trees blocking my view.
Whose house is this? I asked Sasha, feeling seriously envious. When she’d messaged me the night before, she hadn’t told me which friend Lukas was staying with. For a moment I had a heart-stopping thought – what if it was Roy Chapman? If it was Roy who sent the man to threaten me the other night, I had no idea how he’d react if I walked into his house, or what the repercussions might be. I looked to Sasha for confirmation, but I needn’t have worried.
Paul Ilford, Nadia’s boss, Sasha told me. Apparently he’s the friend who collected Lukas yesterday, and he’s letting him stay here with him for a while.
I raised my eyebrows. Clearly owning a care agency was a lucrative business, if this was the house he lived in. Of course, a house this size in a big city would be worth a lot more than it was in Scunthorpe, but I estimated it was still worth more than half a million.
We rang the bell and waited. Behind us, I heard the gate clang shut, then a moment later the door opened. Paul smiled at us, but he looked tired.
‘Morning, thank you for coming,’ he told us. ‘Lukas is just getting dressed. We stayed up quite late last night.’
How is he? Sasha asked. I expected she wanted to hear someone else’s assessment of him before she saw Lukas himself.
Paul grimaced. He talked as we went through a wide hallway into the enormous dine-in kitchen that seemed to run the full length of the back of the house. ‘He’s been better. There’s a lot going on – he’s grieving for Nadia, of course, but he’s also dealing with his emotions around being arrested.’
He indicated some stools at the breakfast bar where we could sit, and offered us tea or coffee. The kitchen was immaculate, with gleaming surfaces and smooth finishes to the units. I imagined he didn’t have children, to keep it that clean; I found it hard enough with only two adults living in my flat. The dining area had patio doors leading out to a beautifully landscaped garden, and I could see a long extension that ran down the side of the garden. The way the light was reflected onto the part of the interior wall I could see made me realise this was an indoor swimming pool.
‘He’s had a tough time of it.’ I knew Paul could sign, but as I was there I interpreted his words for Sasha and he seemed grateful. I wondered how much sleep he’d managed to get.
‘Has Lukas said anything about what happened to Nadia?’ I asked.
Paul shook his head. ‘I asked him a couple of times, but he just said he didn’t want to talk about it. I didn’t want to push him.’
Sasha patted him on the arm. Don’t worry, you’ve been a good friend to him. Is he going to stay with you for now?
‘I’ve given him a choice,’ Paul said, busying himself with the kettle. ‘He can stay here, or if he’d rather have some privacy, I still have my mum’s old house. I’d be happy to let him kip down there for a while, at least until the council can get him something. I haven’t got around to putting it on the market yet,’ he added with a shrug. I remembered Paul saying that Nadia had been his mother’s carer, and I wondered if he thought Lukas might like to be somewhere he could feel close to her. Perhaps Paul was still grieving for his mother and couldn’t bring himself to sell the house yet, so this gave him a good excuse to delay the sale further.
There was a creak from upstairs and I heard footsteps in the hall, then a moment later Lukas appeared in the doorway. He was dressed in jeans and a shirt that were clearly a size or two too big for him, and I realised they must be Paul’s – Lukas had lost all his belongings in the fire as well as his wife. His skin looked grey and he had the gaunt look of someone who has lost weight quickly due to stress or illness. When he saw Sasha, he attempted a smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes.
Good morning, he signed, his gaze flicking back and forth between the two of us. Sorry, I overslept.
Hi, Lukas. Sasha stood and put a hand out towards his shoulder, but he flinched away so she pulled back. I’m so glad you’re here. I knew what she meant was ‘I’m glad you were released’, but she obviously didn’t want to mention the police or prison at the moment.
How are you feeling? she continued.
Lukas glanced over to where Paul was pouring coffee and took a cup, sitting down opposite me and taking a sip before replying.
I am very tired. I have nightmares.
Sasha and I looked at each other, and I could see my surprise mirrored on her face. Even though Lukas had been released, I had expected it to take more effort to get him to open up to us.
Sasha gave Lukas a sympathetic smile. That’s understandable. If you want me to help you arrange some counselling, I can do that.
Lukas shrugged.
You don’t have to make a decision straight away. Even if you want to see someone in a month, or six months, I can help you with that.
Lukas sniffed, and glanced over at Paul. I could smell stale alcohol on him, and I wondered if Sasha had noticed it as well. I wouldn’t have been at all surprised if the first thing he did as soon as he was released was drown his sorrows, especially with his history with alcohol, but I knew it was something Sasha would need to be watchful for.
For a few minutes, Sasha talked to Lukas about the situation he was in now – how it was important for him to stay away from anyone who might cause trouble, as the police would be watching him, and his options for housing. Lukas didn’t respond the whole time, which made me worry he was going to clam up completely again. Paul had walked off to make a phone call, so I sat and looked out of the back window at the huge garden, in the hope that Sasha could get something out of him on her own. I really wanted to jump in there and ask Lukas what he’d meant when he talked to me in the hospital, and said he knew who had done it. Would he tell me with Sasha here, or would I have to try and get him on his own? I knew I couldn’t push it, because Lukas would probably be feeling pretty vulnerable straight after being released from prison, but I was anxious to find out what he’d been thinking that night.
Turning back to see if Sasha had got anywhere with him, I saw Lukas shift in his seat and begin to sign, so I moved closer in the hope that I could join the conversation.
There is something I need to show you, Lukas signed, pulling out his phone. He scrolled through, then held it out to Sasha. She frowned, then passed it over to me. It was a text message.
That’s your only warning.
I felt cold just reading it, and looked back at Sasha.
When did you get this? she asked him.
On the
night Nadia died, he replied, hanging his head in despair. Someone killed her as a warning to me.
Why didn’t you tell the police about this? Lukas, this is evidence you didn’t do it.
I wasn’t as convinced as Sasha that it automatically proved his innocence, but I didn’t say anything. It certainly looked like Lukas was right, and that someone was trying to get to him.
Sasha started to ask him more questions, but I could see that Lukas was ready to shut down again. I put a hand on her arm to get her to slow down, and she took the hint.
Okay, Lukas, I just need to know one thing, she said. Do you know who sent it?
He shook his head, then turned to look out of the window. I could see tears in his eyes, and his hands were trembling. I didn’t know if I believed him, but I knew we couldn’t push him right now.
I need you to help me with something. Lukas turned back to Sasha suddenly, keen to change the subject. Caroline. She says I cannot see Mariusz. That I am a bad influence.
What does Mariusz say? Sasha asked. He’s old enough now that his opinion needs to be taken into account.
Lukas shrugged. She won’t let me talk to him. Told him not to answer my calls.
I wondered if Mariusz was ignoring his dad for another reason, and I watched Lukas for signs that he might be lying.
Has Mariusz been in any trouble himself recently? I asked. Sasha shot me a sideways look, but I thought it was a good time to try and find out how much Lukas knew.
Trouble? Lukas frowned at me. What sort of trouble? He is a good boy; he’s not getting into trouble.
I paused before I replied, wondering how best to word it, and how much to tell him. I’ve seen him hanging out with a gang of older lads, some of them adults, outside a house in Scunthorpe. During the day, when he should be at school. Does he do things like that a lot?
At this, Lukas’s eyes widened and I thought I saw a trace of panic in his eyes.
Why are you watching my boy? He hasn’t done anything.
Sasha put out a hand to calm him down. Nobody has been watching Mariusz; Paige just happened to drive past and see him. She was worried about him, with you being held by the police and not being there to support him.
Lukas hung his head. I am a bad father, not looking after my son properly. I should have been there for him. He looked up at me, determination in his eyes. I will speak to him, ask him about missing school. We’ll have a chat, father and son. If there is something he needs help with, I will help him.
I glanced over at Sasha, but I couldn’t read her expression. I didn’t want to upset Lukas, but equally I wanted to ask some of the questions that I’d been turning over in my mind. Knowing I might not get another chance, I went for it.
Lukas, someone told me that there were a lot of people hanging around outside your house for the couple of days before the fire, I began, deciding it was better to refer to the fire rather than Nadia’s murder. Who were they?
He shifted on his stool, avoiding eye contact with either of us. I don’t know. We have friends round sometimes. Maybe that was who.
The person I spoke to said they were mostly kids, teenagers. He looked uncomfortable but I pushed on. I wondered if it might have been the gang that Mariusz is hanging around with?
He shrugged. I don’t know who he hangs around with. I don’t meet all my son’s friends. Maybe some of them came by, but he was at Caroline’s house that week. If they came to look for Mariusz, he wouldn’t have been there. He looked away again, and I could tell there was something he was keeping back from us.
Did you know there was another fire? I asked. Lukas’s eyebrows went up, and I saw genuine surprise.
Where? he asked.
A house near yours, just a couple of streets away. Witnesses said there had been a group of kids hanging around outside that house, too. I paused and waited for Lukas’s reaction. I had half expected him to act puzzled, or perhaps get angry with me, but when he leant forward and grabbed my hand I could see fear in his eyes.
You must stop, he told me firmly. Stop this. Please. This has nothing to do with Mariusz.
Lukas, if this gang of his had something to do with the fire at your house, you need to tell the police.
No! He jumped up off his stool and came round the breakfast bar towards us, and I shied away from him. I will not tell the police. There is nothing to tell.
He looked towards Sasha, his expression imploring now. Please. You must stop.
Sasha looked at me, then back at Lukas, and she nodded. Paige, I think it’s time we left Lukas to rest, now.
Yes. Go, he signed, looking at me, and now I could see the anger starting to build. I wanted to explain that I was only trying to find out the truth, to protect him and his family, but I knew it would only add fuel to the flames of his anger. Knowing when I was beaten, I nodded.
You’re right. I’m sorry.
Lukas looked slightly appeased, but stood with his arms folded until we left the room. There was no sign of Paul, so we showed ourselves out.
I’m going to go and see Caroline, Sasha told me once we were outside, with her back to the house so Lukas wouldn’t be able to see if he was looking out of a window. I’ll see if I can sort out some mediation between her and Lukas, at least as far as Mariusz is concerned. Are you happy to come with me and interpret?
Of course, I told her. Maybe she’ll know something about this gang.
I went to get into my car, but Sasha put out a hand to stop me.
Paige, I understand you want to help, but you can’t do this. I can’t let you upset my clients, when you’re talking about something that goes beyond the scope of my role. Okay? Let me talk to Caroline. Don’t get yourself involved.
I felt my face flush, and I nodded, feeling suitably chastised. I wanted to defend myself – couldn’t she see I was only trying to help him? Why had Sasha suddenly changed her tune now that Lukas had been released? Maybe she didn’t realise that there was still a good chance he’d be arrested again, and all the police were doing was buying time to gather more evidence. Whatever happened, I was determined that Lukas Nowak wouldn’t go to jail for a crime he didn’t commit.
Chapter 28
Caroline was wearing her work uniform when she opened the door to us. She sighed deeply.
‘What do you two want?’
We want to talk to you about Lukas and Mariusz, Sasha told her. I interpreted for Caroline and she rolled her eyes at me.
‘I understand well enough,’ she snapped at me, then turned to Sasha, signing as she spoke. ‘I have nothing to talk about. I’ll talk to Lukas if I need to, though I’d rather not.’
Sasha looked at her for a moment, and something obviously wavered in Caroline’s resolve, because she let out a loud huffing sound and stepped back into the hall, leaving the door wide open.
‘Fine, come in. But you won’t change my mind about anything.’
We followed her into a small living room that was neat but cluttered. A large TV dominated the wall opposite the sofa, and there were clothes piled up on the armchair that stood to the side. The coffee table in the centre was scattered with remotes and a couple of games console handsets, as well as a pile of magazines and a couple of schoolbooks.
‘I keep telling him he needs to keep all his school stuff together,’ Caroline muttered as she neatened a few things. ‘It ends up all over the house, then when he needs it he can’t find it.’
‘I did the same thing when I was a teenager,’ I told her, hoping to lighten the mood, but she just shot me a dark look, as if to say nobody had asked me.
Caroline nodded to the sofa, and Sasha and I both sat down. She didn’t offer us a drink – I imagined she didn’t want to encourage us to stay any longer than was necessary.
‘You’ve seen him, then?’ she asked, and I knew she must mean Lukas. ‘I can’t believe they let him out,’ she added, with a shake of her head. ‘What if he does it again?’
The police don’t have enough evidence to hold Lukas, Sasha sa
id. He’s innocent until proven guilty.
Caroline let out a harsh laugh. ‘That’s bollocks and you know it. They’ll arrest him again soon enough, I bet.’
In her anger, Caroline had stopped signing so I took over interpreting, which was probably a good thing because it prevented me from jumping in myself. Sasha was right, I needed to leave it to her – if I’d been there on my own it would be different, but I didn’t want to damage her professional reputation just to satisfy my own curiosity.
Is that why you don’t want him to see Mariusz? Sasha asked. Because you think Lukas killed Nadia?
Caroline looked at Sasha as if she was stupid. ‘Obviously. The police wouldn’t have arrested him in the first place if they weren’t pretty fucking certain he’d killed her, would they? I don’t care what they say – they had to let him out on some technicality, not because he didn’t do it. It’s a good job I don’t know where he’s staying, or I would have gone round there and told him what I think of him.’ She sat down on the arm of the chair, a disgusted look on her face. ‘And to think I let Mariusz go round there every other week. It’s a bloody good job he was here with me when it happened, or God knows what Lukas would have done to him.’
Sasha wore a frown of concern as she took in Caroline’s words. Do you think that Lukas has the potential to harm Mariusz?
‘He’s a murderer,’ Caroline snapped. ‘He’s got the potential to harm anyone. If he’d do that to his wife, of course he’d do it to his son.’ She shook her head and grimaced. ‘He was a pretty useless husband, but I always thought he was good with Mariusz, even though it’s a nightmare trying to get money out of him. I can’t believe I trusted him for so long.’
She folded her arms and gave us a defiant look, and I wondered if she was waiting for us to try and convince her of Lukas’s innocence.
‘Is Mariusz here?’ I asked.
‘No, he’s at school,’ she replied, this time looking at me as if I were the stupid one.
The Silent Suspect Page 20