by Ted Tayler
“Right, get what you learned this afternoon into the Freeman Files. You’ll see there’s something for you to digest regarding Maddy Telfer. DCI Banks contacted me just as you left the office. Just when you thought you had heard everything; someone proves you wrong. At least I was proved right in my assumption that both Alan and Maddy had buried secrets.”
“About that, guv,” said Blessing. “Something else cropped up during my conversation with Bob and Elizabeth. She mentioned that Alan’s personality changed around two years before he left the Navy. His mother said he was in a dark place. When he was out of the Navy and settling into his new life in Corsham, it was as if a weight had lifted from his shoulders. He was happy again, something that was missing during those two years.”
“So, we’re talking the middle of 2002 through to the middle of 2004,” said Gus. “Interesting.”
“Is there anything you want us to concentrate on while you’re away, guv?” asked Lydia.
“Luke and Neil need to be on standby,” said Gus. “If Phil Banks and his team don’t find Kyle Ellison, I want them in Bradford sitting in on the interviews with the Forsyth family. When those get completed, they can accompany the West Yorkshire detectives to London Road. One of you should go with them to Redwing Avenue when they collect Jennifer Forsyth.”
Blessing was lost. She must have missed more than she thought. It was time to get her files updated and catch up with what Gus and the others had added.
“As for you and Blessing, Lydia,” Gus continued. “I need you to trace Yuri Kovalev. We suspect that he’s our killer. When did he arrive in the UK and when did he leave? If he’s still here, where is he? Most important, who are his employers? As soon as you hit a closed door, call DS Mercer. He’ll persuade the ACC to apply pressure in the relevant quarters.”
“Yuri Kovalev will claim diplomatic immunity, guv,” said Lydia.
“As I say, if you find you can’t pursue an enquiry because of our suspect’s nationality, don’t hesitate, fire it upstairs. Let someone on a higher paygrade earn their money. Sometimes you have to accept you’ve taken a case as far as you can. Can we prove Kovalev is our killer beyond a reasonable doubt? We have an eyewitness who saw Kovalev and Duncan arguing in a gateway to a field. Thirty minutes later, Duncan was dead. What’s Kovalev’s defence? The lady was mistaken. We Eastern Europeans look alike. So, your task, if you chose to accept it, is to confirm he was here, search for evidence that he was in Biddestone. Did he sit in the Crown's beer garden at Giddeahall without going inside to order a cold drink? Did he pay by card? If he was in and around the village for two to three weeks, where did he stay? Where did he hire that Vauxhall Zafira? Or did he rock up to second-hand car dealers in Chippenham and pay cash? Think outside the box, Lydia. Keep sticking pins in Kovalev until that field traps him on Ham Lane with no escape.”
“Got it, guv,” said Lydia.
Blessing caught Lydia’s eye. They both smiled. One thing was sure; although Gus and Alex would be hundreds of miles away from here on Monday and Tuesday, there would still be plenty to keep them occupied.
“I’ll collect you from home on Monday morning, guv,” said Alex. “Shall we say six o’clock?”
“I’ll cope,” said Gus. “Don’t forget your toothbrush.”
After the office emptied at five o’clock, Gus knew he shouldn’t hang around. There was plenty to consider about the case, but matters at home had to take precedent.
The weekend lay ahead, and six o’clock on Monday morning would arrive in the blink of an eye. As he followed Blessing Umeh to the lift, he thought her shoulders looked lower than usual.
“Congratulations, Blessing,” he said. “You performed well this week. I thought that would have put a spring in your step. Why so glum?”
When the lift reached the ground floor, Gus held the door for a while as Blessing dug a tissue from her bag and blew her nose. If this was what lay ahead this weekend, perhaps he should stop on the way home to buy a man-size box.
“Man trouble, guv,” said Blessing. “PC Smith dumped me this afternoon. I didn’t see that coming. I was hoping to see him this weekend. Now, I’ll probably drive over to visit my parents on Sunday instead. I need TLC from my mother.”
“These things are sent to try us,” said Gus. “Jackie Ferris will offer a comforting shoulder, I’m sure. What I can say is that it’s Dave Smith’s loss. I’ll see you on Wednesday morning. Take care.”
“Thanks, guv,” said Blessing. “I’ll keep busy and think pleasant thoughts. Good hunting next week.”
Gus drove back to Urchfont and considered the highs and lows affecting the members of his team. Alex and Lydia’s relationship was as solid as a rock. Neil and Melody had bounced back from a heart-breaking disappointment and now had something positive to look forward to at the end of the year. Luke and Nicky never seemed one hundred percent in sync, but somehow ironed out their differences.
As for Blessing, well, she was only twenty-one. Had he known what he wanted from life at that age? Dave Smith obviously thought of his early twenties as the time to play the field, not get tied down until he found the right person. Gus wondered whether he was looking back with rose-coloured spectacles as he swung the car into the bungalow's gateway. He and Tess had met, courted, and married before he was much over twenty-three. They enjoyed thirty-five years together. Did Blessing think she’d already missed the love boat?
As he walked into the house, Gus heard music coming from the lounge. Suzie was home and singing along to one of her favourite records. Gus put his car keys in the tray on the hall table. He looked at himself in the mirror. Why worry if you haven’t found love at twenty-one? How had he been so lucky to find someone at his time of life? He hoped he and Suzie would weather the storms, like Luke and Nicky. Nothing was impossible for two people who loved one another.
“Gus, is that you?” said Suzie.
“Just got in,” he replied. “I was enjoying the sound of your voice.”
“Dinner’s in the oven,” said Suzie as she came through from the lounge. “I hope you’re going to freshen up and change your clothes before we eat?”
“Yes, dear,” said Gus. “Are we dining alfresco this evening?”
“On the patio, as we did last night,” said Suzie. “Although our meal owes more to French cuisine than Italian.”
“You spoil me,” said Gus, gathering her into his arms and kissing her.
“Bathroom, now,” said Suzie. “It’s been a long, hot day. I guess you were busy?”
“Alex and I are off to Scotland and the Isle of Man for two days next week,” said Gus. “Luke and Neil will drive to Bradford to sit in on interviews unless I’m very much mistaken. Things have moved quickly today, not necessarily in the direction I would like, or that I expected, but that’s life.”
“Shower and change,” said Suzie, “then tell me more while we enjoy our food.”
Gus did as he was told, and the couple spent the next three hours outside chatting, eating, and enjoying just being alone together. They returned indoors as dusk fell and Suzie topped up Gus’s glass.
“I’ve weighed the pros and cons,” she said as she sat beside him and laid her head on his shoulder. “I’m ready to share my decision with you. I want this baby. There are Assistant Chief Constables around the country who have taken time out from their careers to have children. It’s possible they won’t make the next step up because of that decision; but I’ve decided I can live with that if it proves to be the case.”
“I told you I would support any decision you made, Suzie,” said Gus. “What else have you considered over the past couple of days?”
“When Clemency was here last night, I didn’t mention a thing. I haven’t told my parents yet. Only you, me, and the doctor know I’m pregnant. When I asked Clemency how things were going with Brett, she admitted she was considering the possibility of marriage for the first time since she became a vicar. Clemency asked whether I had ever considered getting married. I laughed an
d said that someone would have to ask me first. The way I see it. We’re happy as we are, Gus. Getting married couldn’t make it any better.”
“I’m happy if you’re happy,” said Gus. “Will you tell John and Jackie this weekend, or do you want to wait?”
“We might as well get it over with,” said Suzie. “I’ll call Mum in the morning and invite them to Sunday lunch.”
“I’ll book a table at the Waggon & Horses,” said Gus.
“Not so fast, Gus Freeman,” said Suzie. “While I’ve been deliberating whether I want to be a mother, haven’t you ever had doubts?”
“What, about wanting to be a father at my age? It will take getting used to; that goes without saying, but it will be an unfamiliar experience for both of us. We’ll adjust together. Geoff Mercer won’t be happy with us taking time off simultaneously, but he’ll cope. If it’s a girl, can we call her Rosetta?”
“I’m not sure you’re taking this situation seriously,” said Suzie. “If you’ve finished nursing that glass of wine, come to bed and convince me I’ve made the right decision.”
CHAPTER 12
Saturday, 4th August 2018
After a late breakfast, Suzie drove to Worton to ride her horse. She had already decided that after her twelve-week scan, she would stop. It was going to be a wrench. In the future, there was the prospect of having a son or daughter to introduce to the joys of Pony Club. It had provided her with a lot of enjoyment and a lifelong love of horses.
Her father was at the other end of the farm, hard at work, when she collected her horse from the stables. Suzie wandered over to the farmhouse and called out for her mother. Jackie was in the kitchen with Blessing Umeh.
“We’d love it if you and Dad could come to dinner with us tomorrow, Mum,” she said. “Will you be able to manage, Blessing?”
“I’m visiting my parents,” said Blessing. “So, you don’t need to worry about me.”.
“What are we celebrating?” asked Jackie.
“Why does it have to be something special?” asked Suzie. “We just thought it was time we treated you. Gus is booking a table at the Waggon & Horses. I’ll call you later to confirm the time.”
Suzie left before her mother grilled her further.
“Right, Blessing,” said Jackie. “What have you heard?”
“Nothing,” said Blessing. “Honestly, the only news I heard this week was that Neil Davis and his wife are expecting a baby.”
“That’s wonderful news,” said Jackie. “Let’s hope everything runs smoothly this time. I often wonder whether I’ll ever be a grandmother. My sons seem perfectly happy to remain single, and Suzie is a career girl. Now, what’s been happening in your life this week?”
“I’m not seeing Dave anymore,” sighed Blessing.
“Oh, dear,” said Jackie. “Which is it to be, chocolate cake and a cup of coffee? Or a tub of ice cream and a glass of wine? You need a shoulder to cry on and comfort food.”
Monday, 6th August 2018
Gus heard the alarm at half-past five and rolled out of bed. He had showered and dressed in time to get two slices of toast and a cup of coffee inside him before Alex arrived outside.
“Tell Alex to drive safely,” called Suzie.
“I’ll call you tonight from Liverpool,” said Gus.
He grabbed his bag and headed for the front door.
“Morning, guv,” said Alex. “Early starts don’t suit Lydia. I guess Suzie didn’t get up with you either?”
“Six o’clock is halfway through the night in her eyes,” said Gus.
It was too early to tell Alex that Suzie was suffering from morning sickness. She had followed him into the bathroom half an hour ago, feeling wretched. Although they had shared the news of Suzie’s pregnancy with John and Jackie Ferris yesterday afternoon, Gus didn’t want any distractions on this trip. Perhaps, if they brought the case to a successful conclusion, he could arrange a team get-together next Friday night to make the announcement.
As weekends went, the one just behind them had been memorable. After Suzie returned from her morning ride on Saturday morning, they spent the afternoon in the spare bedroom making plans. They walked to the Lamb for a snack in the evening. Bert Penman had a few words of advice for Gus about the state of his allotment. Gus promised to tackle the growing pile of tasks as soon as they had put his latest case to bed. Irene North dragged Bert away to talk about something other than gardening, and he and Suzie enjoyed a conversation with Brett and the Reverend which topped off a quiet, but satisfying Saturday.
It surprised Alex at how quiet his boss was today. Perhaps it was the early start. He wanted to go over several points concerning the interviews that lay ahead, but Gus was deep in thought. Alex took the shortest route to the M4. The sooner they were on the motorway network, the better. It was never easy to make progress on country roads first thing on a Monday.
“When do you plan to stop?” asked Gus, emerging from his reverie.
“Every couple of hours, guv, depending on our progress.”
“If you need me to take a spell at driving, I’m ready, Alex,” said Gus.
“I’ll shout if my leg plays up, guv, but if we take regular breaks, I should be okay.”
Alex approached the checkpoint at HM Naval Base Clyde at three forty-five. The security staff were expecting them. They impressed Gus at how smoothly they got them from outside the gates to the office where the interviews would take place.
“These guys could teach London Road Reception a thing or two,” he grumbled.
“It was a long trip, guv,” said Alex. “I asked whether they could fix us up with coffee. Finger’s crossed.”
“A tot of rum in it wouldn’t go amiss,” said Gus.
“They’ve stopped the daily ration, guv. Our first interview is with Chief Warrant Officer Max Hughes, guv,” said Alex. “He knew Alan Duncan for the longest period. They were at Dartmouth together.”
There was a sharp knock at the door, and Max Hughes entered the room.
“I’m Max Hughes, Taff to my mates. If there’s anything I can do to help, just ask. The news of Alan’s murder came as a shock, I can tell you. His father, Bob, rang me out of the blue on Saturday morning. Ten years, not a whisper. We knew one another from training, you know. Lovely bloke, Alan. We always got on well. Hark at me, rambling on. What did you want to ask?”
Max Hughes took a seat. Gus recognised Taff from the photographs. The ginger hair had a tinge of grey these days, but apart from a few extra pounds around the waist, he hadn’t altered much.
“We’re interested in the photos Alan sent his parents,” said Gus. “You can add context and detail that weren’t forthcoming when our colleagues investigated the murder ten years ago.”
“I see,” said Max. “I hope I can remember where and when they occurred.”
“No need to worry,” said Gus. “Our computer whiz kids have dealt with that.”
“Of course,” said Max.
“What was Alan Duncan’s role as Weapon Engineer Officer?” asked Gus.
“He led and managed a team of up to sixty technicians,” said Max. “they included specialists in IT and communications and people with a unique knowledge of explosives and electronic sensor systems.”
“Alan kept the craft fully operational and ready for action, I presume?” said Alex.
“The Vanguard is a state-of-the-art fighting machine,” said Max. “Alan had to guarantee the performance of our weapons and sensor systems. So that we could always fire quickly and with accuracy, he worked with the world’s most advanced defence systems.”
“Did you ever hear from him after he left the Navy?” asked Gus.
“A Christmas card for the first two years,” said Max. “An occasional text, asking how things were going. Of course, I could only respond in general terms.”
“You appeared to be great friends, based on the photographs we found at his parent’s home,” said Alex. He spread the photos on the desk in front of the Welshman.
“We were,” said Max, “but Alan knew the score. When you’re in, you’re in.”
“As soon as Alan was no longer a serving officer, everything you had in common disappeared,” said Alex.
“Exactly,” said Max. “I would have looked him up when I retired, phoned him, to see if he wanted to come out for a beer. That won’t happen now.”
“Bob Duncan called you at the weekend, you said,” asked Gus.
“Right out of the blue,” said Max. “It shocked me. A car crash would have been bad enough, or cancer, but murdered. That stunned me.”
“Did Bob tell you what Alan did after he left Faslane?” asked Gus.
“He mentioned a small engineering factory,” said Max. “It sounded odd.”
“For a man, whose engineering knowledge allowed him to work in such a challenging environment,” said Gus. “Yes, that seemed odd to me too. Where did you think he would be employed?”
“His qualifications marked him out for a role as a Chartered Engineer,” said Max. “He could have worked on Guided Weapons Systems, in Cyber Defence, Explosive Ordnance Engineering, or Project Management. The sky was the limit.”
“When did you first notice the change in his personality?” asked Alex.
“I’m not sure I understand the question,” said Max.
“Who arranged the trips in these photographs that Alan sent his parents?” asked Gus.
“I sorted out the visits to Egypt and Sydney,” said Max. “There was a gang of us who joined at the same time and found ourselves on the same submarine. We always got on well.”
“Who decided on Table Mountain?” asked Alex.
“I think it was one of the others. We flew to Cape Town and spent several days on the beach at Plettenberg Bay and Port Elizabeth. Smudger wanted to see Table Mountain. There was a race meeting at Kenilworth too, although not everyone was keen to go. Alan went with Freddie, Chuff and Oddjob in the end.”