Authors: Caroline Mitchell
Who is the studmuffin? Is he on our team?
Jennifer smiled, and quickly stuffed the phone into her jacket pocket as Ethan climbed into the car.
‘No luck I’m afraid. They’re all saying … and I quote … “Ain’t seen nuffing.”’
The words sounded out of place coming from Ethan and she tried not to laugh. ‘Time to head back to the nick then,’ she said, starting the car.
J
ennifer placed
the bag of food on Will’s desk. ‘How are you getting on?’
Will shook his head. ‘Not good. Looks like they’re going to walk. The witnesses failed to pick them out from photo ID, and we’ve no weapon and no CCTV. The only incriminating evidence is the hundred quid they had on them when they were stopped. It sticks in my gut that we’ll have to give it back to them.’
‘We don’t even have enough to go to Crown Prosecution Service?’
‘No, I’ve spoken to the DI. It doesn’t meet the threshold test. He’s said if nothing comes back on the CCTV he’ll authorise a no further action.’
Jennifer rubbed her forehead. ‘I’m not happy to NFA yet. How about we bail them for a couple of weeks, issue a local press appeal and make some more enquiries?’
‘Sure, if it makes you happy. But I guarantee you’re wasting your time. Nobody’s going to come forward.’
Jennifer thought of Ethel, sitting at home alone, too scared to leave her house.
‘There’s no harm in letting them stew. I can justify the bail back.’
Will shrugged his shoulders. ‘As long as they’re answering to you. Run it by the DI and make a date.’
The rest of the working day passed without event. Will managed to rope Ethan into some mundane enquiries, and Jennifer took the opportunity to do some digging on Charlie Taylor’s case. DS Trevor Lowe’s phone extension flashed up on the police online telephone directory, and she punched in the numbers. They had had a brief dalliance before he met his wife and lost touch. While he progressed to sergeant in the murder investigation team, her career had steadily plummeted until she had found herself at the last chance saloon. He seemed happy to hear from her, if a bit hesitant.
‘Jennifer. You only ever call me when you want something. Wouldn’t it be nice if you just called to say hello instead of asking for a favour?’
‘Charming. I was only calling to say hello. How are you?’
‘I’m fine thank you.’
‘And the family?’
‘All good. What’s this really about?’
‘Nothing. I’m glad you’re well, just called to say hello.’ Jennifer hung up the phone and grinned. She pressed the redial button, knowing her name would be flashing up on DS Lowe’s telephone.
‘Jennifer?’
‘Detective Sergeant Lowe, I need a favour.’
‘Funny. Real funny. I am quite busy, believe it or not. What are you after?’
Jennifer began to wind the phone cord around her fingers. ‘It’s about Charlie Taylor. I was wondering if you have any updates.’
‘Ah yes, you spoke to him in custody.’
‘Me and lots of other people who kindly asked him to wind his neck in.’
‘Did he say anything of interest? We’ve got the CCTV back, but the audio’s cut out.’
Jennifer did her best to sound offhand. ‘He rambled on. He seemed very drunk, shouting and crying, didn’t make a lot of sense. Is it a murder investigation?’
DS Lowe lowered his voice. ‘I have to be careful what I say. The neighbour who found him went to the papers and they came up with this daft spontaneous combustion theory.’
‘And what do you think?’ Jennifer said, twirling the phone cord in her fingers.
‘Between you and me, I don’t think this will be going any further. Charlie liked a drink, and given all the bottles of booze around him, it’s no wonder he went up like a match. The furniture was flame retardant and it was just lucky the rest of the house didn’t take.’
‘Uh-huh, I thought as much myself.’
‘Listen, can you write me up a statement on what you spoke about in custody? I’ll need to dot the I’s and cross the T’s.’
‘Sure, I’ll do it today and send it over.’
Jennifer drummed her fingers on the desk as she went through the possibilities. She wanted to tell DS Lowe the truth. There was foul play, but perhaps not of the human variety. But what evidence did she have? Both Johnny and Charlie had appeared fine one minute, then as if they were someone else the next. The classic signs of schizophrenia played out in front of her. But that voice … The words they had used, the mannerisms. If something supernatural
was
invading their bodies, how did it know so much about her? DS Lowe would not be much help with that sort of investigation. He would merely have a quiet word with her DI, and she would be back up to occupational health so fast her feet wouldn’t touch the ground. For now, behaving normally was the only way to protect herself while she figured all this out.
T
he ladies’ toilets
in Haven police station left a lot to be desired. The absence of windows left them with a distinctly tainted smell, offset by the mechanical air freshener, which squeaked into life every hour. Jennifer wondered if the toilets had purposely been built that way, to prevent forlorn officers spending too much time there. She shook her hands under the soft whirr of the dryer, and inwardly groaned as Susie walked in, her eyes wide with excitement.
‘You didn’t answer my text. Who’s the eye candy?’
‘Ethan? He’s on an attachment for the next couple of weeks.’ Jennifer gave up on the dryer and wiped her hands on her clothes instead.
Susie wasn’t going to let her go that quickly. ‘He can attach himself to me anytime. Is he single? You’d better get in there, girl.’
Jennifer whispered, ‘I’ve no intention of getting anywhere. He’s younger than me.’
‘That’s OK, you can be one of them, um … panthers.’
Jennifer snickered, ‘Do you mean cougar?’
Barging through the door with the grace of a baby elephant, Steph’s presence put a stop to their giggling, and the pair cast their eyes to the floor as they returned to work.
J
ennifer remained
tight-lipped as she showed the last of the suspects out, his bail sheet in hand. The pimply youth gave her a leery grin as he left via the front exit. ‘See ya later, babe.’
‘It’s “officer” to you, and just make sure you answer your bail date,’ she said.
‘I won’t need to, I’ll be NFA before then,’ he sneered, pulling up his grubby tracksuit bottoms.
Jennifer rolled her eyes as she closed the door behind him. He was in and out of custody so often, he knew the police terms off by heart. He could have papered his walls with the ‘no further action’ letters that came through his letterbox, and unless a star witness turned up, this time would be no different. She looked at her watch; she was late off again. Will had left half an hour ago, and she was surprised to see Ethan sitting at her desk on the phone. His soothing voice murmured comforting syllables, and he gave her a nod as he ended the conversation. Jennifer booked off duty and logged off her computer.
‘Aren’t you going home then?’ she asked Ethan as he hung up the phone.
‘I was just updating the victim. She’s very upset by it all.’
‘I know, I spoke to her earlier. I’ve asked one of the PCSO’s to pop in on her every now and again.’ Jennifer searched the drawers for her mobile phone.
Ethan slid it out from underneath some paperwork. ‘Fancy going out for a drink?’
Jennifer paused, ‘Sorry mate, I’m bushed. It’s been a busy week.’
Ethan cleared his throat. ‘Sorry, that sounded like a come on didn’t it? I just wanted to chat with you about the job, no ulterior motive, I promise.’
Jennifer shifted awkwardly, trying to find the right words. ‘Don’t be silly, I didn’t think that at all, I’m just tired. Next time, yeah? Maybe Will can come too.’
J
ennifer walked to her car
, cursing herself under her breath for turning Ethan down. She was acting like some hormonal teenager, when the poor guy just wanted to make some friends. A chilled wind whistled around her legs and she gazed up at the black clouds, ready to pour forth with rain at any minute. The streetlamps cast a weak orange glow over the houses and derelict buildings either side of the road.
Approaching footsteps interrupted her chain of thought, and she exhaled in relief as the man behind her crossed the road and pulled out some keys to enter one of the houses. It was the same every late shift. A nearby homeless shelter brought groups of men to the area at night, and despite being a police officer, the short walk to her car made her nervous. But something told her this was different, and the image of a dark figure gripping a knife flashed violently into her mind. It was a warning; far too real to be just her imagination. She pulled her car keys from her bag, threading the cold pointed metal through the first and second fingers of her clenched fist.
Don’t turn around
, whispers echoed in her mind, offering protection.
This is not the time for confrontation.
Jennifer’s breath hitched as she recognised the voice. It was Charlie Taylor, her old schoolteacher ... but it couldn’t be. Every sense switched to high alert as she pulled the thick material of her coat tightly around her. Quickening her steps, she approached her car. Her legs shaking, she floored her car all the way home, unable to shake off the feeling of being watched.
T
he maple trees
in her back garden were beautiful in the spring, but tonight the bare branches conducted the wind into a symphony of howls. Jennifer jumped as the window blew open, sending the curtains into a reluctant dance. She pulled the thick material shut, turning to answer the phone as Amy’s name lit up on the display.
‘Hi Sis, everything all right?’ Jennifer said, straining to listen over the background noise of children’s TV. She was still shaken after her walk to her car and needed to hear a friendly voice.
Amy sighed, ‘Oh you know, the usual. Lily isn’t sleeping, I’m exhausted.’
‘I’m happy to babysit on my days off, give you guys a break.’
‘I’ll take you up on it when she’s a bit older. I’m planning her christening, Father Kelly is coming around to go through it with us.’
‘Oh right, well let me know when you decide a date as I’ll need to take time off work.’ A glimmer of hope rose. She needed to do something and the christening could be the best way of testing the waters with Father Kelly.
The baby’s screams pierced through the theme song to
In The Night Garden
and Jennifer held the phone from her ear. ‘Sounds like you’re busy, I’ll leave you to it.’
‘No wait, I rang because I want to ask you something. Will you be Lily’s godmother?’
Jennifer paused. ‘Aww, thanks Sis, but wouldn’t you be better off with someone more virtuous?’
Amy laughed. ‘Thankfully, being virtuous isn’t a prerequisite. You’re still a Catholic aren’t you?’
Jennifer pursed her lips as she considered her answer. ‘Lapsed,’ she replied. Memories of being dragged to mass every Sunday came to the forefront of her mind.
‘That’s good enough for me, come around when you’ve got a day off and we can discuss it,’ Amy said, ending the conversation to tend to her screaming baby.
T
he next morning
Jennifer pulled on her jeans and sweatshirt, hoping a walk in the park would clear her head. She combed her errant dark hair back into a ponytail and looked in the bedroom mirror. God, I look like shit, it would be just my luck to bump into someone from work today, she thought. Pulling on her jacket, her fingers wrapped around a cold, solid object in the right hand pocket. ‘What the hell?’ she said, pulling out a bent spoon. She searched her brain, trying to remember the last time she had worn the coat.
‘
Jenny
,’ a low voice whispered in her ear, its icy breath raking her skin.
Jennifer yelped as if she had been slapped, throwing the spoon to the floor. Every fibre of her being told her to run, but she forced herself to stand her ground. She wasn’t just scared. She was angry. Charlie’s face came to mind. Had it been like this for him? The voices driving him mad until he died? She balled her fists in anger. ‘Well, come on then! Show yourself!’ Her eyes darted to the door, ready to bolt any minute. The atmosphere became thick and heavy as her heart pounded in her chest. Closing her eyes, she sensed oppression, hate, and … death. It was coming too fast, it was too powerful, and she wasn’t strong enough to fight it. A voice whispered in her consciousness.
Let it go. It’s too strong.
It was a voice she recognised from somewhere beyond reach. She gripped her hand around the door handle to leave, but the metal refused to budge. ‘Get out of my home,’ she said, rattling the door handle for release. ‘You don’t have permission to be here.’ Suddenly, the door flew from her grasp, banging against the adjoining wall and cracking the plaster. Fumbling in her jacket pocket for her keys, she took the stairs two at a time, escaping outside into the fresh air.
S
lamming
her foot onto the clutch, she shoved the car into gear. It lurched forward, jerking in protest. She pushed her foot further on the accelerator, swearing as she did so. The car sped forward. She fought to control her breathing, telling herself not to panic. Whatever it was, it was gone. But she could not shake off the feeling of helplessness that enveloped her. She had to communicate to find out who it was, and what it wanted. Yet its presence was so strong, she knew she could not deal with it on her own. But who would help her?
S
teph was rushing
out of the office just as Jennifer walked in that afternoon. ‘No time to talk,’ she said, brushing past her.
‘What’s going on? Where is everyone?’ Jennifer said to Will, who sat with his chin in his hands, his brow furrowed.
‘I’m really pissed off with the way we’re treated in here. I’ve a good mind to put in for a transfer.’
‘No one else will have you, sick note, now stop complaining and tell me what’s going on.’ Will gritted his teeth at the sound of his old nickname. Pulling too many sick days was what had got him transferred to Haven, and he hoped he could turn a corner and put it all behind him.
‘There’s a big drug bust running in Lexton.’
‘Oh, right.’ Jennifer sighed and picked up the paperwork left on her desk.
‘Bloody hell, what’s wrong with you?’ Will said.
Jennifer blinked a couple of times. ‘I’m not with you.”
‘I thought you’d blow your top when you heard we were being knocked back again. People that have come on to the department long after us have been requested to attend. Even Susie and Ethan were asked to go, and they’ve only just joined this department.’
Jennifer flicked through the paperwork, avoiding eye contact. ‘Whatever, I don’t care. How about you make me a coffee so we can make a start on these robberies?’
‘I’m not making anything until you tell me what’s wrong.’
Jennifer looked around the stark office and her computer monitor flickered in silence. ‘You’d only laugh.’
Will forgot all about his bad mood as he took on Jennifer’s troubles. ‘Try me.’
Jennifer paused. Perhaps it was time to confide in Will, to give him some credit for being her friend. She took a deep breath. ‘There’s been some weird stuff happening in my house.’ She examined his face for a change in expression, a grin, a flicker of amusement. Nothing. Will stared in stony silence. Jennifer took a deep breath and gathered her courage ‘You know how I told you I heard whispers in my head? I thought I had it under control, but now I’m getting headaches every time I try to block them out.’ Jennifer looked around the room, making sure they were alone. ‘But now it’s in the house. At first I thought there was a break in, or at least someone messing around, moving things, making noise. But it’s not.’
Will frowned. ‘What do you think it is?’
‘I can’t make sense of it. Sometimes I hear the faintest whisper, like someone calling my name. Not in my head, I can actually feel their breath on my face. I’m not imagining it.’
‘Blimey girl, that
is
weird.’
‘I’m not going mad if that’s what you’re thinking.’
‘I didn’t say that, but you have been through a hell of a lot.’
‘Will please don’t try to turn this back on me. I’m asking for your help here and all you can suggest is that I’m going mad.’
‘You’re being paranoid. I never said anything of the kind. I’m just trying to get my head around it. I think we should go back and check the place out.’
‘What about work?’
‘We’ve got plenty of time to deal with that. C’mon, we’ll be there and back in under an hour.’
Will was silent on the journey to her home, his face a picture of consternation. Jennifer peeped across, trying not to make it obvious. For once she wished he would rattle on, the comforting tone of his voice talking about ‘the injustice of it all’ as he put the world to rights. But not today. Today his thoughts were hidden, secretive.
He braked at the traffic lights and stared at the road ahead. ‘So, how long has this been going on?’
Jennifer rolled her eyes. ‘Here we go … you
do
think I’m losing it, don’t you?’
Will raised his hands from the steering wheel. ‘Jesus, did I say that? You said you’ve heard voices and I asked how long. You’re so defensive, I’m only trying to help here.’
Jennifer nodded at the road ahead. ‘The lights are green. And I’m not schizophrenic. I’ve heard whispers. There’s a difference.’
The car lurched forward as he put his foot down.
‘And quit muttering, I can hear you.’
‘Sorry, Mum.’ Will’s mischievous grin warmed her from the inside out.
She sat back and tried to relax. At least he cared enough to check it out. Surely it meant he believed her? The tick tock of the indicator signalled they were home.
The front door creaked as they opened it, and Will mouthed the words, ‘me first,’ as he placed a hand on her arm. She stood back with an amused smile, wondering what he would do if he heard something. Will checked out the living room and kitchen before walking into the dining room.
‘Is it OK if I check upstairs?’
‘Knock yourself out. Just keep out of my knicker drawer.’
Will blushed. ‘Spoilsport.’
Jennifer tiptoed up the stairs behind Will, feeling silly. The house looked less threatening in his presence and she knew nothing would happen while he was there.
‘Has anything else happened up here?’ Will asked, standing on the landing with his hands in his pockets, a stance that suggested he didn’t expect anything to jump out anytime soon.
She shook her head, then clicked her fingers as she remembered. ‘The spoon, it should be in here on the floor.’
She strode into the bedroom and dropped on her hands and knees on the carpet, looking for the bent cutlery.
’It’s gone,’ she said, looking under the bed. She turned back to see Will staring dreamily at her backside. ‘Do you mind?’
‘Sorry,’ he coughed. ‘You mentioned a spoon?’
‘What’s the point? Let’s just go.’
‘Maybe you should think about indoor CCTV.’
‘I’ll be fine, just forget I said anything. Honestly, don’t worry.’
‘If it’s any comfort I can’t see any signs of disturbance. It was probably some kids playing outside, you know what it’s like.’
‘Yeah,’ she said, brushing the carpet fibres from her clothes. A dullness sank into her. The concern in his eyes reflected that he’d been pacifying her all along. She vowed to keep her problems to herself in the future.
She returned to work and won a minor victory in the form of a charge for two robbers, who had stolen a day’s takings from a newsagents shop. She sat back at her desk and stretched as Ethan breezed in. ‘There you are. I was looking for you.’
‘Sorry, I’ve been busy with some robbers. They had a plastic gun. Quality stuff.’
He swayed with his hands in his pockets, a smile creeping onto his face. ‘Fancy coming out for that drink tonight?’
Ethan’s very expensive aftershave called for a closer inspection and Jennifer smiled. ‘It’s Friday night. You should be out clubbing with girls your own age, not listening to war stories from a washed up detective.’
Will would have made a joke about it, but Ethan was not Will. He perched himself on the corner of her desk. ‘You’re not washed up and you know it. And besides, I like war stories. How about it?’
Jennifer sighed. Ethan was nice, but he was starting to chase her around like a puppy when she had other things on her mind. All the same, she found herself agreeing.
‘Great,’ he said, jumping onto his feet. He whistled as he strolled down the corridor. She just could not figure him out. Just what was his game? Was he just looking for friendship or something else? Her attention was drawn to Will, drumming his fingers loudly on the desk as he leaned forward and stared at his computer.
‘All right there, mate?’ Jennifer asked.
‘Sure. Just finishing this file and going home.’
T
hat evening
, Ethan was waiting as promised. As they walked into town, Jennifer was grateful that the rain had decided to stay away. She felt a pang of guilt for not asking Will along, but he had skulked off without saying goodbye. ‘So where are we going?’ Jennifer asked, following Ethan’s long stride. He walked with his jacket flung over his shoulder, immune to the night breeze. ‘The King’s Head. It’s not too busy in there. Everywhere else is full of kids.’
‘Oh, hark at you, just what age are you again?’
Ethan smiled. ‘I’ve been around a lot longer than you give me credit for.’
The walk was short and Jennifer kept her hands busy rifling in her purse. ‘I owe you a drink after that nice lunch you made me.’
‘No, you don’t,’ he said. ‘You’re paying me in war stories remember?’
The glow of an open fire and low-beamed ceiling made the pub a cozy haunt as soft music played.
Ethan glanced at the wine menu. ‘I think you are a Shiraz lady… am I right?’
‘Yes, how did you know?’
‘Lucky guess.’ Ethan handed the barman some money. ‘A bottle of Shiraz and a Jack Daniels and ice, please.’
‘I hope this bottle isn’t for me, I only came out for a glass.’ Jennifer said. She took out her purse, but Ethan waved it away.
‘Please don’t offend me by offering to pay tonight. I asked you out, remember?’ He poured the wine and handed her a glass.
The wine was smooth and tasted delicious. A warm glow spread through Jennifer as Ethan topped up her glass. ‘I’m driving, Ethan, I can’t have any more than one.’
‘Don’t be silly, I’ll just have one drink and drop you home later. Enjoy yourself. When do you ever get out?’
The fact that Ethan knew about Jennifer’s lack of social life surprised her. He had only been in the office a short while and already knew she was a virtual recluse. Smiling weakly, she took another sip. He was right. What else had she to go home to?
Half a bottle of wine later, she had warmed up nicely. The open fire crackled and Jennifer leaned in, breathing in the scent of pinecones.
She relaxed into his company, enjoying the normality of it all. The hours passed as they swapped stories, the focus mainly being on her experiences in the criminal investigation department. Ethan was easy company and she felt a connection with him, although confused at where their new friendship was heading.
‘So tell me, have you ever come across anything really weird in your investigations? Something completely out of the norm?’