‘Here are the files Little’s been reading, the old murder cases. I know there’s a hanging in one of them. Maybe he got some ideas from them,’ Larry suggested.
‘You could be right, which may account for the mismatch of injuries to the bodies. We need to go through the files and exhibit them. We also need to locate the murder weapons, that’s if they’re not the same in both cases. The inspector’s canes are an ideal size and might be involved, and one of them appears to be missing from the cradle. Where is it? Could that be it?’ Dylan was thoughtful. ‘So we still have a long way to go to nail him, but what a difference a day makes, eh? He’s been under our feet all the time, or maybe seen the exhibits brought in.’ He shook his head in amazement as if nothing surprised him anymore. ‘I’m having round the clock surveillance on him from this evening. We can’t risk him going out and attacking someone else. Ben Wright from the surveillance team is on his way. Early trip tomorrow to forensics. Anyone volunteering?’
‘I’ll go,’ Vicky said.
‘Thanks. We need to start thinking about getting his vehicle searched and lifted onto a low loader to go to forensics. He may have transported Daisy and Christopher in it. Did he do the murders on his own? He’s only small and doesn’t look very strong, but it’s a thought. We need to identify arrest and search teams for his house, and someone to deal with his wife. I want the search to be in depth. We need to be sure we don’t miss anything. I know it could take hours, but it’s necessary. Where are we going to take him and the property we seize? Any ideas?’
‘There’s an unoccupied room just on the corridor from the incident room. It’s secure, and nearby so that could be ideal for the exhibits,’ Dawn said.
‘Can you arrange that for me? What if we use a cell here? I know it’s unusual but if we use the female one at the very end of the row away from anyone?’ said Dylan, hopefully.
‘That would work okay. What about constant supervision, sir?’ Dawn enquired.
‘It’s something else we need to do.’ Everyone had been very quiet and thoughtful, taking notes of actions they personally needed to do and also trying to absorb all that was happening.
‘Come on, team effort. I’m doing all the talking,’ said Dylan. They remained silent.
‘Okay. I’ll interview with Dawn. We all have in depth knowledge of the murders. Jasmine, from the scenes of crime side, how many staff will you need? Remember I want all the house filming, his vehicle, photographs and exhibits.’
‘There’ll be three scenes of crime officers working on the day, so that should be more than enough.’
‘I’ll speak with the custody staff, so they’re ready to accept a prisoner. I’m thirsty, let’s have a comfort break, then we’ll discuss what we’ll tell the team.’
Legs stretched, bladders emptied, and drinks made, they were back in the office and eager to get on with the job at hand, each and every one of them wanting to feel this evil child killer’s collar as soon as possible. Increasingly the incident room staff sensed something was bubbling, but didn’t know what. They were circling like vultures hovering around a wounded animal waiting for it to drop. They wouldn’t expect Dylan to tell them, but after all their hard work they were straining at the leash.
Hard and fast evidence was needed. The pressure was on and a prime suspect in sight. Dylan was going to grab the nettle and go for him. He hoped to gain evidence through an interview and the search of his property. It was his decision and his alone.
‘I’m thinking, the day after tomorrow for the arrest, providing we get confirmation that he’s at home and hasn’t been locked up already by the surveillance team, who’ll do what’s necessary if it looks like he’s at it again. They’ll ring me if they’ve any doubts, but we need to have our teams ready and briefed at tomorrow’s debrief. We’ve a lot of work to do, but I’m sure we’ll all sleep better when we get him behind bars. Anybody got any questions or views, problems, issues? Larry?’
‘Should we update the review team?’
‘Good point. I’ll speak to someone direct. Dawn?’
‘What’re we going to tell the team?’
‘They should all be here for the debrief shortly. I’m going to give them a quick overview of what’s happened and arrange a debrief tomorrow for four o’clock, when I’ll be able to give them more information and tell them what their individual roles will be.’
‘Are you gonna want any uniform presence at the house?’
‘Yes, Dawn, definitely.’
‘Okay then, decision made,’ Dylan said, slapping the palm of his hand flat on the desk in front of him. ‘Let’s do the debrief.’
Chapter Twenty-Six
‘Now, everyone, what I’m going to tell you remains in this room. I want nothing, and I mean, nothing, discussed outside.’ There was total silence. People glanced at each other to see if any of their colleagues’ expressions told them anything. They shrugged their shoulders and turned their heads.
‘First and foremost, both murders are now being merged and tomorrow’s briefing will be a little earlier, at four o’clock. You’ll understand why after I’ve finished,’ he continued. ‘Earlier today we recovered what we believed to be Christopher Spencer’s missing football sock, which has since been positively identified by the family.’ There was a gasp. ‘Recovered along with this was material we believed to be from Daisy’s bridesmaid dress, also IDd by her family. They were found in a bag together.’ Never mind hearing a pin drop, only the sound of breathing and Dylan’s voice could be heard as the assembled crowd stood like marble statues.
‘You’ll have to accept that at this time I can’t tell you everything, but it’s anticipated that we’ll be making an arrest in the next twenty-four hours. I don’t want you leaving this room and asking others what they know. We’ve done a vast amount of work recently and we’re not, I repeat not, going to spoil that with careless talk. I know I’ve only given you part of the information I hold, but there’re reasons for that which will become apparent tomorrow. I could’ve said nothing at this stage, but I felt you deserved to know at least that. Let’s hope that continuing enquiries prove to be as positive. I’ll see you all tomorrow.’
Normal service resumed slowly and the noise level returned, but anticipation and excitement hung in the air. Dylan was right: he could have said nothing, but he realised rumour spread quickly. That’s why he had taken the team into his confidence, a gesture acknowledging their hard work and commitment.
Ben Wright arrived and Dylan explained the reasons for the surveillance he was requesting. Hopefully, from that night until seven-thirty the day after tomorrow, Harold Wilkinson-Little would be having his every move monitored.
‘I’ll have to check the area to see if a surveillance van is feasible,’ Ben explained. ‘There is also the option of a double-crewed car or motorcyclist nearby should he go on the move.’
Dylan gave him his mobile number and asked him to update him as to what was feasible after he had done a recce. He thanked him, as Ben left to get on with the job in hand.
Dylan rang Jen to tell her he was leaving work. ‘I’ll call for a bottle of wine on my way.’ Dylan was buoyant.
‘I can’t wait to hear all about it.’ Jen smiled. She knew he was going to be a busy man over the next few days if all went well.
Later that evening, in the middle of their meal, Dylan’s mobile rang.
‘Boss, Ben Wright. I’ve had a look at the target house. His white van’s on the drive so I’ve arranged for an obs van. It’s a cul-de-sac, so it’ll be easy to monitor him should he leave, on foot or otherwise. I’ll probably tag on a surveillance motorbike and if he needs back up, he can always shout up.’
‘Cheers, Ben, thanks for that. Hopefully I won’t need you for long.’ Dylan squeezed Jen’s hand across the table. ‘Right madam,’ he said. ‘Let’s take Max for a walk, the exercise and fresh air will do me good.’
‘Oh, I’m so pleased it’s working out for you Jack, at last.’ His arm was round her shoulders and he pulled her closer to him as they walked. ‘It’s been a difficult one, hasn’t it?’
‘Yeah it has, but how can you tell?’ He stood still and faced her. She gently ran her fingers over his face.
‘Oh, little things like your eyes are clearer now and less hooded. Your face seems less lined, less stressed.’ She reached up and kissed the tip of his nose. They walked hand in hand. ‘And it’s good to know that in a short while I’ll have you back again.’ She hugged him as they walked through the woods away from prying eyes. ‘When it’s finished, can we go on holiday?’ she asked.
‘Too true we can, I need some time to spoil you.’ He looked down at her and smiled lovingly.
‘Good,’ she said as she kissed him.
The next few hours were going to drag for Jack. He couldn’t wait to grab the murderer’s collar.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
The elation, excitement, and anticipation could be felt in the incident room as Dylan walked through the next morning. Never before had he seen it looking so busy so early.
‘Morning, sir,’ Lisa said cheerfully as she placed a cup of coffee on his desk. He had a long ‘to do’ list
after waking at four o’clock to scribble reminders blindly on bits of paper. Finally he’d given in, switched on the light and written them on a pad instead. Jen had groaned and muttered something about him being insane and then promptly fallen back to sleep. He couldn’t disagree.
His first call was to the review team.
‘Is no other bugger in before nine?’ he growled as Larry entered the room.
Last night’s rancid ale oozed from every pore in his body. ‘Morning,’ he mumbled with his head down as he stood in Dylan’s doorway. He swung his leg idly, kicking out into fresh air like a sulking teenager. He looked as if he had slept in the suit he had on, the little knot in his tie dragged down to allow his top button to be open.
Dylan was not impressed but carried on talking as if he hadn’t noticed. He wasn’t in any mood for a confrontation; he had too much to do. ‘I’ve left a message for the review team telling them that there’ve been developments, but no details, so if anyone rings and I’m not here that’s what it’s about. We’ve a lot to do today, Larry, I hope you’re fit?’
‘Yeah, just need a minute or so to come round,’ he yawned, shaking his head. Dylan would have liked to shake it for him.
Dawn flounced in bright and breezy. ‘Morning,’ she hollered cheerfully. ‘My god, have you been out all night? You look like shit.’ Larry ignored her. Dawn pursed her lips, ‘Ouch, touchy,’ she mouthed to Dylan.
‘Anything new, boss?’ Larry asked.
‘No. Dawn, will you check with the cells and make sure they’re ready?’
‘Consider it done, sir.’
Dylan picked up the phone. ‘Ben, it’s Jack Dylan. Is our man still at home?’
‘Yep, no movement. Is your strike time still tomorrow at 07.30 hours?’
‘That’s right. I’ll be seeking confirmation from you that he’s still on site at seven.’
‘I’ll get one of the obs men to call you, unless anything happens before.’
‘Thanks, Ben, and tell the boys and girls I’m grateful.’
‘Dawn, will you speak to Clive, Fran, and Janice and let the FLOs know what’s happening? Remind them the information is not for the Spencers’ or the Hinds’ ears at the moment. You can update them once we know more.’
‘Will do.’
Larry sat very still in his chair; he leant forward and held his head in his hands, belching loudly.
‘For God’s sake go have a shower and get something to eat, whatever it takes. You’re no damn use to me in this state.’ Dylan raised his shoulders and sighed deeply. Without a response, Larry slid off his chair and dragged his feet out of the office. Dawn’s head remained down and her eyes were fixed to her work. She knew Dylan understood better than most bosses what his officers had to deal with on a daily basis and he made allowances, but she also knew Larry had annoyed him and that wasn’t a wise move.
‘I’m remaining calm and focused,’ Dylan announced, sitting up straight, splaying his hands on his desk and breathing in deeply as he tried to stay composed. ‘It’s a shame all detective sergeants aren’t like you, Dawn.’ He yawned as he exhaled. ‘I’m going to try and get hold of Francis Boscombe, our profiler, and see if there is anything he can help us with.’
‘Well at least he’s linked the murders for you,’ Boscombe confirmed. ‘He’s also kept trophies, which I suggest means he has some grudge against them, or wants to hurt someone close to them.’
‘Mm … our thoughts too.’
‘Regarding the interview strategy, what sort of approach do you feel would get the best response from the murderer?’ asked Dylan.
‘I suggest softly, softly.’
Dylan was contemplating the interview as he replaced the receiver; Dawn spoke, breaking his reverie. ‘Are we going to let the FLOs tell the families of the arrest, once we have him in?’ she asked, her chin in her fist, her elbow on the desk.
‘We’ll have to; otherwise they might hear it on the TV or radio. Give the FLOs the go-ahead once we’ve made the arrest and tell them we’ll update them as soon as we can. Stress that it might be some time before we can tell them any more. Boscombe didn’t have much else to give us that we didn’t already know. I don’t know about his suggestion of a soft approach, though.’
Vicky was back from depositing the sock, material, and other exhibits at forensic when Larry returned to the fold, looking much better than when he had left, much to Dylan’s relief. The last thing he needed was unnecessary distraction. Dylan flashed him a yellow card as he walked in the office, like a referee would as a warning on the field. Larry nodded in acknowledgement. Usually Dylan would have blasted him out of the water, but not today. It was a day to savour the mood of the impending arrest, so this time Larry was very fortunate and he knew it.
The meeting to discuss the interview approach and the arrest commenced. Dawn and Larry sat, pens poised, as Dylan began. ‘I want the house covered front and back, then it’ll be a knock on the front door.’ Dylan tapped his fist on the table. ‘He lives with his wife, Pauline. We will need someone to talk to her when he’s arrested and taken from the house. Larry, how about you dealing with Mrs Wilkinson-Little?’