I SHALL FIND YOU (12 page)

They used her car. Police posters with the pictures of missing girls were on the board. Godfree felt anger against the person or persons who had captured them as he fetched a trolley, picked the usual groceries and told Rose to add what she needed. Watched but didn’t stop her piling more groceries. At the teal she beat him, handed cash to the operator and paid. They argued about it as he pushed the trolley to the car. He withdrew the cash. She refused it. At home he unzipped her bag and dropped the money inside. She extracted bills from the pile and held out the rest.

“I’d like to contribute or head for a B & B.”

“All right. But next time I pay for the food.”

They packed away the groceries. He ordered her a Chinese take-away. After the meal they sat close and watched local news.

Police were appealing for anyone who saw a black car with the latest missing girl to come forward. Anyone with information must contact acting Chief of Stones Police, Detective Superintendent Martin. The tall imposing wide-shouldered black policeman came out on the news. A press conference was in progress with journalists firing questions to the detective.

“Any news of any of the missing girls, Chief Detective Superintendent?”

“Would you say you have been doing your work well? After three girls have gone missing in your borough you haven’t even caught the suspect. Why haven’t you arrested anyone?”

“Are these girls are still alive?”

“What’s the latest on the sighted black car?”

“Who do you think is abducting these girls?”

“I’d hate to be in that man’s shoes,” Rose observed. “That detective sounds sharp, am sure he’s doing his best. He has only been on the post as chief of police for two months. Two of those girls disappeared before he took the post. Some of these reporters just sound like they want someone to blame.”

“I thought the same, hope he catches whoever took those girls. But you can imagine what the pressure the families of the missing girls are under.”

The conference ended with the detective making an appeal to the abductor and public. Anyone with information could use the police hotline, or come to the police station in Stones. Someone out there knew something.

The tearful parents of the missing girls also came on the scene.

Rose pulled her tablet onto her lap and started googling Detective Superintendent Martin. He was a widow, his wife succumbed to brain cancer and died three years ago. Two children, a boy and a girl. A non-drinker and smoker, a degree in Criminology and Forensics. Had an impressive record of success in the police department. Had walked the beat in London, rose through the ranks.

“Free, see this. Our superintendent has quite a resume. This guy will catch whoever kidnapped those girls.”

“Mm, sad about his wife though.”

“What’s the matter, Free?”

“Don’t know but each time these girls come up, I think of James.”

He pointed out the inconsistences in his friend. How he acted as if he was sure the girls would not be found, and dumped in a lake. His unease at him being a suspect because of his black car. Plus, he was here the night Tracy disappeared, brought food and played chess before leaving at 11:45. He might be getting paranoid here, but suppose James did not go straight home that night?

“Go on, Free.”

Something else bothered him – James’ distrust at blondes. His warning to Godfree against Rose. Getting into a rage when he discovered she was now his girlfriend. Why did James want to establish the time he left the house on Wednesday? Could that have been way to look for an alibi just in case police came knocking? James’ speech was curious. He believed Godfree had let Moto off, must have killed him to revenge as he had a chance. If that torturer got murdered, he deserved it. He acted as if he knew something about where Moto was.

“Think he was looking for an alibi?” Rose asked. “Trying to be sure you agreed on the time he left your house that night Tracy disappeared? Perhaps he met her.”

“It’s possible. Or maybe he is just seeking attention, and acting detective. Read about how some people like to get involved when there’s a crime. Like they are part of the police. Give suggestions. On the whole are just bags of wind. But why was he so sure those girls wouldn’t be found? What did he know of Moto’s disappearance? I told him about Moto when he arrived and saw him drive off. James knew where he stayed and what he looked like. Rose, did I just put that man’s life in danger by telling James his past?”

“Think you might be just imagining things, Free. Could be Moto’s having an affair, is with a mistress.”

Godfree frown deepened. “What about that other story he told me about a boy?”

“What did he say?”

The mother walked out on the family. Social services took the abandoned boy who ended up in a foster home where he got sexually abused. Years later he returned, killed the abuser, and then searched for his mother. But it was too late. She was dead. How he had so much wanted her dead. By dying she robbed him of his wish, left him no choice but to kill other women who reminded him of her.

“Did he say who this boy was?”

Godfree shook his head. “No. I did ask whether it was him because the story was scary. Looks like James loves these horror stories.”

“He said it was just fiction - a story he read. What do you think?”

“Free, this guy either believes his own imaginations, unless he is confessing to a crime.”

They stared at the other.

“Wish I knew, Rose. If he’s admitting to a crime, then we have a smiling psychopath in our midst. Someone as dangerous and cruel like that Moto was.”

“Let’s ignore his loud talk, Free. James wants to be noticed. Your green-eyed rose is right here, and I have my long elusive man. It took me a while to find him. Winds me how I didn’t even know it was you when I met you the first time.”

She closed her eyes. “Been one long day, Free. Need a little nap. No more depressing talk about James and his horrible tales, or shall have nightmares.”

She put her head on his shoulder. He held her hand. After a while he was sure she was asleep. Thought she was right. Thinking about James was going to make him dream about dead girls and a missing man. In a moment Godfree fell asleep, awoke with her slumbering against his shoulder, hair against his face. A peaceful look shrouded her face. He stood, put his arms behind her legs and back, lifted her, carried her up the stairs, lay her on her bed. Covered her with the sheets and quilt. Stood there looking down at her. Stooping, he kissed her on the forehead before heading for his room and getting into bed.

How he wished he would miss work tomorrow. Did not want to meet an angry Frank and James. Meeting the latter would be gloomy. Because he had started to distrust him. Best to talk to James tomorrow. Ask if he
knew
something about those missing girls and Moto.

He had nightmares, dreamt of the missing girls and Moto calling out to him for help as he sank in a lake surrounded by trees. That kept Godfree awake, wondering if Moto was asking for help. When he slept again it was not for long. The phone’s vibration awoke him. He reached for it in sleep as he sat up. 3 AM. The call must be from home. Maybe someone was sick.

But the caller had blocked his number and left a voice message. Stifling a yawn, he clicked it on.

Frank’s voice leapt at him. “Bring my daughter back, moron, or I’ll report you to the police for kidnap! You have twisted her mind. If she isn’t home soon I’m coming to your place with my gun.”

Kidnap?

When would Frank stop this harassment? He had kicked his own daughter out. Now he was blaming him. Nothing would be better than letting Frank lift a hand, attack him first and then sink his fist in his belly. But that would never happen. You don’t beat up your girlfriend’s father, and keep her respect. What atmosphere would prevail at work today? One charged with anger - a mad Frank and James.

Godfree held the phone, was about to call Frank’s landline, shook his head and left the phone in the room. A light showed under Rose’s door. Perhaps she was reading. Or maybe her dad had called too. He went down to the kitchen, switched on the kettle, sat in a chair and waited for the water to boil. Confrontation with Frank looked inevitable. The man kept pushing him to the edge and maybe meant to come and shoot him. Rose was an adult. Godfree sighed, rested his chin on his palm.

What exactly would it take for Frank to leave him and Rose alone?

Steps sounded on the stairs. Rose, looking tousled in morning slippers and gown appeared. They both smiled.

“Hey, you ok,” she said. “Heard you leave your room.”

“Fine. Slept well?”

“Your dad called, left a message. He wants me to bring you back home.”

She scowled. “Was he polite or called you more names, threatened to come here and shoot you?”

“He was angry.”

“He’s crafty, phoned me too, woke me and left a message. But it was more reconciliatory. He said he was angry. It’s still my home, he misses me. Where’s your phone? The bullying must stop now.”

“I don’t have it. Where are you going?”

“I want to hear the message for myself then call.”

He ran after her, caught her in his room picking the phone. She pressed voice mail and listened.

“He called you a moron. I’ll call him. Nobody should call you that.” Her face was red.

“Give me that phone, Rose. Don’t call him.”

“You can’t stop me. Time you fought back, tell him to lay off, or you will be the one to pay him a visit. It worked on Nathan and Joel. You must stop my dad now.”

“Shouting at him isn’t the solution.”

“He must know you’ve taken enough of him and want this to stop.”

“Let me have that phone.”

“You’re allowing him to bully you. You can report him to Mark, if he harasses you at work and get him given warning, or even suspended from work. Enough is enough. This had to stop now. He even threatened to shoot you.”

Before she pressed call he tried to take the phone. But she pushed him away, streaked for her room. He caught her, twisted her arm and got the phone then went to the kitchen and started making coffee.

Minutes later she joined him.

“Free, sorry about happened a while ago. I was mad with Dad calling you names and threatening you. We ended up in a tumble. Had you not taken the phone you know what would have happened. Another shouting match with him. It’s best for both of us if I leave. A Bed & Breakfast will do before something happens. He might hurt you.”

“I don’t want you to go. Nothing is going to happen. You still want me here?”

“Yes.”

They sipped their coffee and talked. When she yawned he told her it was time for bed. They separated outside their rooms.

A few hours later they were up. After bathing she prepared breakfast, mentioned this was one thing her dad missed. She used to make breakfast which they had together before leaving for work. He must be fuming as he imagined her doing that for him.

“Missing home?”

“No. My dad’s got to face reality. I’m not going back. His loss, your gain. He hates losing. Ready for the factory?”

“No. You?”

“Not me either.”

In minutes they were ready and left in their cars. Rose hung behind him. He smiled, she hated driving slowly. On a long stretch she overtook him and sped away. Her car was parked already when he reached the factory. He parked beside her.

“See you later.”

She nodded. “Yeah, be careful of the wounded bear.”

James was in the workshop with Frank, their heads close together as they talked. They both glanced up as he passed.

“Morning.”

Neither replied. Godfree entered Mark’s office, closed the door beside him. Even James had looked upset. As he pulled a chair to sit his phone vibrated. It was Mark’s wife. They were calling from hospital. Mark had fallen sick last night. She had to call an ambulance and taken him to hospital. Hours later she drove back home. He was asleep now, needed to rest. Doctors had given him a week’s sick leave. Before he went to bed he had asked her to call Godfree. Mark wanted him to act in his place.

“He’s awake, wants to talk to you.”

“Mark, you okay?”

Mark sounded sick. “Need to rest a few days. You must act in my place.”

“Couldn’t you choose falling sick at another time? I don’t want your job.”

Mark’s humour came through despite the sickness. “It’s an excuse to be with the wife, but don’t tell anybody else. You’ll manage. Baldwin wants you at the managers’ meeting at nine. Don’t be late. Good luck.”

“Hey wait.”

But Mark had ended the call. Godfree looked at the phone. What a day. A headache started.

James burst into the office. “I can’t believe you got Rose to leave home and move in with you! How could you humiliate Frank like that?”

“We’ll talk later, Jamie. I need to see every electrician in this office right now.”

“Why?”

“Because Mark just called. He isn’t coming in and I’m acting in his place. Now call everyone.”

A minute later he faced an angry Frank, Jamie and Kelly, the new electrician, and gave them the news. When he mentioned he was acting in Mark’s place Frank and James exchanged glanced their faces tight.

Kelly nodded. “Someone got to do it. Good luck, guv.”

“Thanks.”

Frank exploded. “Why you? Think you can give me instructions on what to do? I’ll see Baldwin concerning this.”

He stomped from the office.

James scowled. “You could have refused that post after what you’ve done. How can you take a man’s daughter and now become his boss?” He glanced at Kelly’s calm face. “Last night he called Rose to his house, made her stay. She’s moved in with him. See why Frank’s mad? Plus, those mechanical fitters downstairs won’t like you in Mark’s place either. Jones should act as he’s charge-hand. He’s been here longer.”

“I didn’t make the appointment. Let’s get to work, guys.” He felt betrayed by James. “You know the machines for PPM.”

“Sure, guv,” Kelly said.

James muttered under his breath. Godfree’s name was called over the intercom. The managing director wanted to see him as a matter of urgency. When he reached the office the secretary pointed at the door. Loud voices came from inside. Godfree knocked.

“Come in.”

He opened the door and entered. The managing director and Frank’s faces were red. The former smiled and pointed to a seat.

“Great to see you, Godfree. Please take a seat. You too, Frank.”

“Thank you.”

He sat. Baldwin was a short man with a bold head and pot belly. He sat on the edge of his desk.

“I’ll get to the point. Mark has already called you and explained he’s off sick for a week, right?”

“Yes.”

“He told you to act in his place?”

“Yeah.”

“Were you aware I had told him you’d take over as maintenance manager once he moved to engineering director?”

“Yes, but he had wanted me to keep it quiet.”

“You didn’t speak about it?”

“No.”

Frank looked perplexed.

Baldwin smiled. “You’re the new maintenance manager. Congratulations!”

Godfree looked at the outstretched hand and shook it. “Thank you.”

Frank jumped to his feet. “He can’t be! There are others with more experience like Jones, who have been here longer. Another thing, this guy’s a predator, just sexually abused my daughter.”