Echoes of Justice (DI Matt Turrell Book 2) (20 page)

Chapter 64

Tilly waved goodbye to her friend Sarah and stepped out into the sun. True it kept hiding behind the scudding clouds, but the faint warmth felt good on her face and she needed some fresh air. She thought Nick wouldn’t mind if she walked the short distance down the Parade.

She was looking forward to this afternoon: first lunch with Nick at their favourite Chinese at the bottom of the Parade, then the last scan. Her hands went to her belly and she smiled at the thought that soon their son would be born. He would probably be a Pisces, sensitive and artistic; at least that’s what it said when she and Sarah had looked it up. She thought that would be lovely, but knew she’d love him whatever.

Adjusting her scarf to keep out the chill wind, Tilly began walking past the shops, aware that her walk was becoming more of a waddle. Just as she was nearing the Victorian town hall, an old car pulled up beside her. The passenger window was down and the driver leaned towards her.

‘Special surprise taxi for Tilly.’

Tilly stopped. She didn’t know the driver. Her first instinct was to keep going, but maybe Nick had arranged this. She knew he was worried after his meeting with Harry. She stopped and took a step forward.

‘For me?’

‘Yes.’

‘But I didn’t order a taxi.’

‘No. It’s a treat.’

‘Oh. How lovely. Thank you.’

Tilly opened the back door and got in. As soon as she sat down the window slid up and she heard a click that told her the driver had locked all the doors. Her sister had this on her car to keep the children safe. But why would the driver need to do it for her? Maybe it was just a habit. She studied him and was sure she hadn’t seen him before.

‘Where are we going?’

‘It’s a surprise. Don’t worry, we’ll be there soon.’

Tilly sat back and tried to relax. The driver went to the bottom of the Parade and turned right, going past the railway station before turning left at the next roundabout. Maybe they were going onto the shopping estate where there was a Kentucky Fried Chicken. It had been one of her cravings in the beginning and she’d sent Nick out at all hours to get her some. It would be just like him to tease her with those memories.

As she watched the shopping centre pass by on the left, Tilly began to feel uneasy and leant forward. ‘Please tell me where we’re going?’

‘Nearly there.’

‘I think I’d better call Nick.’

‘Don’t do that.’

Before she had time to dial, he reached back and snatched the phone from her. She watched as he lowered his window and tossed it into the road.

Now she knew she was in trouble.

Chapter 65

Kathy finished ironing her long skirt and hung it over the door while she started on the cape. She wished they could have had coloured costumes, instead of black. Still, the straw bonnet she’d adorned with coloured ribbons would liven it up. Today they had a technical rehearsal in the theatre and she’d made up her mind to try to forget about everything else and enjoy it.

She’d just put the ironing board away when the phone rang. At first, she couldn’t hear the caller and had to ask them to speak up before realising it was her granddaughter, Phoebe. ‘What is it, love? Slow down.’

‘It’s Mum. She won’t come out of the bedroom. I’ve fed Amy and Zoe, but I’m not sure what to do.’

Kathy didn’t hesitate. ‘Don’t worry, Phoebe, I’m coming over. I’ll be there in about ten minutes. It will be alright. Okay, darling?’

‘Yes.’

‘Try not to worry. I’m on my way.’

Slamming down the phone, Kathy rushed about the house, threw a toothbrush and a few things in a bag, grabbed her costume and was ready to leave in under three minutes. Mrs Smart, her neighbour, was putting out a milk bottle as she scraped the ice off the car, so Kathy paused to tell her where she was going.

Not many motorists had ventured out early this Saturday morning, although this meant the ice was still fresh on the roads. Kathy daren’t race, although she would have liked to; instead she kept to a steady, even pace.

Phoebe opened the door as she parked in the driveway. Close behind her were Amy and Zoe. At least they had each other and that was a blessing. Knowing she mustn’t worry them, she entered with a smile.

‘Right, let’s get sorted here. I’m sure your mummy is just feeling a bit poorly. I’ll just pop up and see if she needs anything. Do you want to come with me, Phoebe?’

Phoebe nodded. One foot on the bottom stair, Kathy turned to Amy and Zoe. ‘Why don’t you two go and watch the television? I’m sure Mummy won’t mind, just this once.’

The two girls were uncertain and looked to Phoebe for confirmation. At her nod, they went into the lounge while Kathy followed Phoebe upstairs, keeping to the edge of the stair carpet as she was doing.

Kathy knocked softly on the door to the front bedroom. Not receiving any answer, she opened the door to find Pamela curled up on the bed. ‘What’s the matter, dear?’

Pam didn’t answer so Kathy went to kneel beside her. She had been crying and again Kathy felt the urge to reach out and hug her, tell her everything would be alright. The barbed wire shield seemed lower and this might be the opportunity to reach her. She turned to Phoebe. ‘Do you mind keeping an eye on the others, Phoebe, while Mum and I have a chat?’

Phoebe nodded and seemed glad to leave. Kathy risked reaching out to take hold of Pam’s hand. ‘Can you tell me what’s the matter? I’m only here to help.’

Pam withdrew her hand and moved to sit up. Sitting back on her heels, Kathy waited.

‘Amy fell down the stairs. And…and all I could think about was I must vacuum. I must be the worst mum in the world.’

Resisting the need to move forward and comfort her, Kathy stayed still, wondering what to say. Could this be an opportunity for getting Pam to seek help? She didn’t want to spoil the chance, yet she couldn’t help asking after Amy. ‘Amy looked fine, did she hurt herself?’

‘She cried and I couldn’t go to her.’

‘Why don’t I go and see if she is alright and come back and tell you?’

Pam nodded and Kathy stood ready to go downstairs.

‘Tell her I’m sorry and that I love her.’

‘She knows that already. I won’t be a minute.’

Downstairs the three girls were huddled together on the sofa watching some kid’s programme. Phoebe jumped up as soon as Kathy entered.

‘How’s Mum?’

‘She’s worried about Amy falling down the stairs. Did you hurt yourself, Amy?’

Amy nodded and looking at her, Kathy thought she did seem a little pale. ‘Can you show me where it hurts?’

Standing, Amy lifted her tee shirt so that Kathy could see the spreading bruise under her left ribs. She touched it gently and stopped as Amy winced.

‘Sorry, love. Does it hurt when you breathe in and out?’ Again the nod and Kathy sought to remember the details of the first aid course she’d done at work. There was something about internal bleeding and damage to the spleen, but which side of the body it was on she could never remember. This needed medical input. ‘Thanks, Amy. I’m sure it’s fine, but just to be on the safe side, I think we’ll get the doctor to check you over. Is that alright?’

‘Yes, but Mummy—’

‘I’ll talk to Mummy and tell her what we have decided, okay?’

Phoebe put her arm around Amy to reassure her.

‘Do you know where the doctor’s phone number is, Phoebe?’ Following Phoebe into the hallway, Kathy knew she must decide whether to tell Pam before or after calling the doctor. She’d be glad if the doctor could see Pam too, but if she didn’t mention he was coming, Pam would be less likely to co-operate. By the time Phoebe found the number, she’d made up her mind.

‘I’m just going to tell your mum that we’re calling the doctor.’ Kathy prayed that Pam would go along with the doctor coming.

She looked up anxiously as Kathy went into the bedroom. ‘I’ve had a look at Amy and she has a nasty bruise under her ribs. I’m sure it will be alright, but I think we should have the doctor check it out.’ Pam’s hands flew to her face and she started to shake. ‘I can ring him and ask him to come, if that’s what you’d like. And I’m happy to stay and let him in.’

She didn’t answer and Kathy began to wonder if she had heard. ‘Pam?’

‘Yes, please.’

‘Fine, I’ll ring him now.’

Downstairs, Kathy went into the kitchen. She wanted to talk to the doctor in private about Pam. Given the out of hours number, she spoke to a Dr Meredith, who seemed to understand the situation. Kathy hoped she would be able to get Pam onside.

Chapter 66

All thought of Eppie’s present had gone after his meeting with Lynne and Melli. Yet the High Street looked inviting with its shops full of tempting Christmas goodies and Matt hesitated. Should he take half an hour and choose something while he was thinking of it? He crossed one of the bridges towards more dazzling shops, but before he could reach them, his phone rang. ‘Turrell. Yes, Sam. What’s up?’

‘Nick Tyler. Well, his girlfriend, Tilly. She’s missing.’

‘She’s pregnant, isn’t she?’

‘Yes. Seven months.’

‘Last seen?’

‘Leaving Boots in Leamington Spa. She had a half day and was going to meet up with Nick for lunch, then have her last scan. She didn’t arrive.’

‘He’s checked all the places she might be?’

‘He seems to have done a pretty comprehensive job. Even rang the hospital. Now he’s panicking and seems convinced it’s down to whoever killed Jon and Dave.’

‘You didn’t mention Vinny?’

‘Didn’t need to. First thing he brought up. He’s in a right state.’

‘You know what to do, Sam. Get the ball rolling and I’ll be back as soon as possible.’

Giving up all thoughts of Christmas shopping, Matt hurried to his car, praying Tilly hadn’t fallen into Vinny’s hands. He had already shown himself to be a vicious, hardened criminal.

The traffic was light, so Matt made it to the M40 motorway in good time, only having a minor hold-up trying to get past a tractor laden with bales of winter feed.

Arriving back at CID, Sam met Matt as he walked into the office.

‘Had some luck with the CCTV. Shows Tilly getting into a dark green car just outside the town hall.’

‘Dark green? Old Escort?’

‘Could be.’

‘Similar to the car at Jonathan’s funeral. If it is, then Vinny has her.’ Everyone stopped to listen. This was the very worst news. Vinny’s handiwork, displayed on the incident board, reminded them of his capacity for violence. Tilly, a pregnant, defenceless woman, wouldn’t stand a chance. They had to find her, and fast.

‘Any more sightings?’

‘Last seen heading down the Parade and onto the Old Warwick Road, before going down Europa Way. Picked up briefly on the M40. As no further sighting further on, we believe he took the Stratford exit. From there he had several options. I managed to get a patrol car to the Longbridge Island and another on the A46 pretty quick, in case they made the bypass. I’ve alerted West Midlands and West Mercia. Only one man seen in the vehicle, beside Tilly – no ID yet.’

‘Tilly’s mobile?’

‘We’ve picked up a signal on Europa Way. It’s now stationary. We think it’s been thrown from the vehicle. Fl…Jane and uniform are searching now.’

‘Well done, Sam. You okay to co-ordinate from here while I catch up with Jane?’

‘I’m fine. Oh and local television will put out an appeal at 6.30 pm.’

‘Good. Let Jane know I’m on my way.’

‘Will do.’

Leamington was busy with Christmas shoppers and Matt wished he had a blue light to ease his way down the Parade. Once he’d turned onto the Old Warwick Road, it became easier and soon he reached Europa Way where he could see the flashing lights of the patrol car. He drew up in front and Jane came forward to hand him an evidence bag containing a mobile phone.

‘Present for you, Matt. Obviously thrown from the car.’

‘Damn. That cuts out one avenue in finding her.’

‘Afraid so.’

‘We’ve got the M40 and A46 well covered so while we’re waiting for news, think I’ll take a look at the Acorn. Don’t think they would be stupid enough to use it again, but you never know. Do you want to follow me?’

‘Okay. How about uniform?’

‘Tell them to keep watch. Patrol from here to the A46.’

Matt left her talking to the uniform officers and drove to the Golden Acorn. Parking outside, he shivered at the memories the place held. Forensics had gone over the upstairs room but found little except finger marks that matched the Harris brothers and Harold Harper-Jones. However, although the barman had been questioned, he had been released. Jane was only a minute behind Matt and by then he’d calmed down, rationalizing that it was only a building.

Jane hurried him on. ‘Come on then.’

Inside matched his nightmares. Even the old men sat in the same place, although the rest of the pub was empty. The floor was still tacky and the barmaid remained nervous. He wondered if she was the only member of staff in the place. Taking the lead, Jane went to speak to her.

‘DI Turrell and DC Meadows.’ She held up her warrant card and then produced a picture of Tilly.

‘Have you seen this young woman today?’

The barmaid gave a shake of her head. Jane looked at her intently and moved away to question the old men. Matt stepped forward to the barmaid and raised his eyes to the stairs. She shook her head. Jane joined him as he turned away.

‘No one’s seen her, guv. Did you want to look anywhere else?’

‘Let’s not waste time. I’m sure we won’t find anything here. Let’s check in, see if there have been any sightings.’

Chapter 67

Tilly watched her phone bounce into the gutter, then began tugging frantically at the door with no success. How could she have been so stupid? Nick would be waiting for her, all her favourites ordered, and he would be getting worried. She felt like crying but knew it wouldn’t do any good. Maybe she could open the window and shout for help. With her eye on the driver, she reached for the handle only to find it immovable. Sliding over to the driver’s side, she tried again with no luck. Feeling the baby kick increased her panic. She had to survive for his sake. What would happen if she hit the driver? There was a risk this would make them crash but she considered the risk worth it. Using all her strength, she punched the back of his head. He laughed.

‘That will do you no good. I’d sit back if I were you.’

Where was he taking her? They were taking the slip road onto the M40 and then the exit road to Stratford before going onto the A46 towards Coventry. After that, with panic setting in, Tilly lost track. Nick would never be able to find her this far away. She sat back, hands over her belly, trying to calm herself and think. After about twenty minutes, they went under an aqueduct before turning immediately left into a pub car park. The pub was busy with the lunchtime trade and for a moment, Tilly became hopeful until the driver went past the parked cars and drew up beside the canal where the narrowboats moored.

The driver parked and clicked open the doors. ‘Here we are.’

Tilly held back.

‘Let’s get you into the warm. He only wants to talk.’

Moving with as much speed as she could muster, Tilly shot across to the other door intending to make a run for it, but the man moved faster and grabbed her arm before she had gone two steps.

‘None of that. Or he won’t be pleased.’

He pulled her up the grassy bank, leading her to one of the smallest boats and pushed her onto the deck. ‘Go down into the cabin,’ he ordered.

Tilly had no option but to do as she was told. Inside it was dim and she stumbled down the last few steps. Someone caught her roughly and pressed her down on to a small bench. The man towered over her and his raw sweat made her want to heave. Now her eyes were becoming used to the dimness she recognised him.

‘Mr James.’

‘Yes, I’m glad you know me, saves the introductions. How about my boy, Jonathan, do you remember him?’

‘Of course.’

He bent over her, arms on the table.

‘Yet you couldn’t be bothered to go to his funeral, could you?’

‘I couldn’t get there – don’t drive.’

‘You didn’t care for him at all, did you? Just leading him on, weren’t you?’

‘No.’

Tilly backed away, but Vinny came closer; his hand reached out to grasp a handful of her hair to pull her towards him.

‘I see your type all the time. Little users. Well now you are going to help me, and my boy, by telling me all you know. You see, I’m going to enjoy making whoever killed him pay, and pay big. This is where you come in. You’re going to tell me all about his so-called mates.’

‘I don’t know them, not anymore.’

‘Oh you’ll have to do better than that, girlie. You wouldn’t want anything to happen to that little worm in your belly now, would you?’

He dropped his hand to caress her abdomen. The very touch of him made her want to retch. Tilly tried to push his hand away but couldn’t.

‘Whose is it? Young Nick’s? Now he’s certainly in my sights. Getting his life back together, consorting with Jon’s girl. Maybe he wanted to get rid of the competition. He’s definitely someone I should look closely at. And his mate, Harry. Maybe they did it together?’

‘No. Please, let me go.’

‘You know. I’m sure of it.’

‘I don’t know anything, honest.’

‘Oh, you’ll have to do better…or this little bastard…’

His hand pressed deep and she felt her baby kick against it. She had to make him stop. It burst out: ‘Harry knows.’

‘What?’

‘Who did it.’

Tilly squirmed as his fingers bit into her belly. She had to make him get off her. ‘Please.’

‘Who killed my boy? Tell me, you stupid bitch or I’ll rip this brat from you with my bare hands.’

‘It was Kathy Wylde.’

At last, Vinny stood back.

Hearing footsteps on the deck, Tilly opened her mouth to scream. Vinny clapped his hand over her mouth, forcing her head back against the bulkhead. The man from the car shot down the steps into the cabin. He had a look of urgency about him.

‘He’s here. Says you’re to let her go. Right now.’

‘Calm down. I give the orders.’

‘He says if you don’t, he’ll phone the police himself.’

‘He can say what he likes. I’m paying him. Here, stay with her. I’ll sort him out. Keep her quiet.’

Vinny left and Tilly wanted to wipe away the touch of him. Instead, she took a deep breath and tried to think. She had to get out of here. This man didn’t seem frightening at all after Vinny. Trying for a smile, she faced him. He seemed embarrassed and turned his head away. This gave her a chance to look around, try to find a way out or a weapon. There was a heavy black frying pan on the little stove. She noted that as a possibility, if she could get a swing in this tiny place. Aside from that, there was nothing. Attempting to get her jumble of thoughts in order, she remembered watching the narrowboats when she was small and was sure most of them had two entrances.

From outside came the sound of voices raised in anger. She shifted slightly and tried to see but only caught a glimpse of two pairs of legs. ‘Please can I go to the toilet?’

The man looked at her as if she had asked to go to the moon. ‘Can’t you wait?’

‘No. I’m pregnant.’

The man glanced outside. ‘I guess it can’t hurt. There, on the left. And remember, I’ll be right outside.’

‘Thank you.’ Giving the man a shy smile, Tilly squeezed past him into the narrow corridor. He followed her. The cubicle was small, especially with her baby bulge. The tiny window offered no way of escape. She hadn’t thought the man would follow and stand outside. How could she get rid of him?

‘I’m sorry, but there doesn’t seem to be any toilet paper.’ Ear pressed to the door, she prayed he would go to look for some. There was a pause and she could almost hear his brain ticking, then the slow thud of his footsteps moving back into the cabin.

Knowing she would only have seconds, Tilly slid open the door and turned away from the cabin towards the rear of the boat, waiting for the shout telling her to stop. She came to the end of the corridor and opened the door. Inside a double bed filled most of the cabin and she looked about frantically for a way out, stopping when she heard heated voices. Looking out one of the windows, she realised she was closer here to the two men and sank down out of sight. She couldn’t see the other man as Vinny was in the way, but his voice sounded more refined.

‘I cannot tolerate this constant disobedience. You have carelessly put my associates and me in danger. Despite offering you my help─’

‘At a price.’

‘Despite offering you my expert advice, you choose to ignore it. I’ve passed at least two patrol cars in this area. The police will be tracking the Escort and could be here at any minute.’

‘That’s it?’

‘Besides putting me at risk, I cannot countenance the kidnapping of a young, pregnant woman.’

‘Ever the gentleman. What about the cop? The one you bumped off. It was on the news.’

‘That was an unfortunate occurrence and not planned.’

‘Try telling the cops that. You’re forgetting what you owe me?’

‘Not by any means.’

‘If I get caught, I’ll take you down with me.’

‘That wouldn’t be wise. If that happened, I may be forced to appropriate certain funds you have entrusted to my care.’

‘You filthy sodding crook. I should wring your rotten neck.’

‘You certainly have that choice, but it might be wiser to let me get you out of your immediate dilemma, thereby reducing the risk to both of us. I am willing to arrange return to your safe haven, as this would protect both of us. However, if I am to do this safely, it might take a little time. For now, I have arranged a safe house where you will stay until I can arrange to get you back to Spain. If you agree, I will gladly refund your fee, taking out only my costs.’

‘Big deal.’

‘I’ll take that as a yes. Fetch your things and lock the girl in – that will give us a head start. Dan knows what to do with the boat.’

Tilly couldn’t hear much after that as the men moved away, but she saw Vinny’s legs moving back towards the boat and looked around for somewhere to hide. There was nowhere and for a moment, she felt like crying. She could hear the man who had brought her here still rummaging about in cupboards. What would they do with her? Realising that she may have to fight her way out, she picked up a large glass ashtray from beside the bed and stood trembling by the door. The smell of stubbed-out cigarettes was close to her nose and she didn’t know how long she could hold it at the ready.

Tilly could hear a mumbled conversation. Then the engine started up and there was a loud clang. For what seemed a long time she held the ashtray aloft, before putting it down and listening to the silence before gathering the courage to open the door a crack. There was no sign of life and she crept out to make sure, checking the bathroom on the way.

Weak with relief, she sat down by the table, wondering why the little cabin looked different before realising that the doors out to the deck were closed. Jumping up she tried to open them, but they wouldn’t budge. She had to get out of here before the men returned. It was then she heard the trickle of water.