Hail and Farewell (The Lakeland Murders) (25 page)

‘It was dropped off on Monday, I think, and it was collected this morning. Soon after we turned up at the job, actually.’

‘And when did you put this wrapping in the skip?’

Gambles looked at it again.

‘Yesterday, afternoon sometime.’

‘You’re sure of that?’

‘Aye, I’m sure.’

When Gambles had gone, having promised to return with the paperwork that had been requested, Mann and Iredale sat in the interview room and supped their tea.

‘What do you reckon?’ said Mann. ‘You know the lad.’

‘He’s lying, isn’t he?’ Of course he’s been fly-tipping.’

‘Oh aye, no doubt about that. But Andy Hall’s theory looks favourite, doesn’t it? One of Hayton’s lads took something identifiable out of that skip and put it in with their load. It’s right clever, is that, because it confuses the issue and weakens the connection we were making between that phone and Hayton.’

‘Maybe, but Mike Gambles wants nicking for the fly-tipping he’s done anyway. You know as well as I do that he’s not got a bloody shred of paperwork to show us. It’s all bollocks, is that.’

‘So you want us to charge him, when he doesn’t deliver, like?’

‘Aye, of course.’

‘Have you thought that through, lad? You know he’ll get a big fine, as much as five grand maybe? Can he afford it?’

‘That’s not our problem.’

‘That’s not quite true though, is it? What about your sister, Tina?’

‘Aye, Tina. Sorry, Ian, but I’m not sure what you’re suggesting here.’

‘All I’m saying is that if Andy’s right, and Gambles isn’t involved in Chris Brown’s death in any way, then we’re under no obligation to nick him. He hasn’t confessed, and without evidence I’m not required to submit a file to the CPS. I’m sure Andy would agree to that, if we wanted him to, like.’

Iredale nodded, and sipped his tea.

‘Let me think about it, marrer. But thanks for the offer, it’s appreciated. At times like these I always ask myself what my old man would have done. In this situation, like.’

DS Jane Francis parked her car down by the harbour in Maryport, where Bill Iredale had suggested they meet, got out, and looked around for him. She was five minutes early, and it was turning into a lovely afternoon, so she didn’t mind that he wasn’t visible. She leaned back, against the car door, and felt the sun on her face. She didn’t need to think about the conversation with Iredale, because she was fully prepared, so she let her mind wander. She thought about family holidays when she was a child, from Cornwall to Cumbria, and of all the fishing ports that her dad had dragged her round. Even at the time his fascination with the sea seemed strange to her, because he was a local government accountant with a sense of adventure to match.

Her dad had died when she was small, but suddenly she could see him, and feel her hand in his, as he told her to watch out for the mooring ropes. Even at well over thirty years’ distance she could feel his love, as real and as warm as the sun on her face, and she found herself thinking about what kind of parent she’d turn out to be, if it ever happened. She’d allowed herself to think about it a lot over the last few days, and she knew exactly why that was. Because she’d banned herself from following that train of thought for years, and now there was the possibility that in a year or so she’d be manhandling a buggy from the boot of the car and checking the contents of a changing bag, rather than being on the job. She knew there’d be frustrations, and tiredness, and worry too. But she also knew there’d be joy. She could almost feel it.

Jane heard her name being called, and opened her eyes.

‘Sorry, I was just…’

‘Don’t worry, lass. I remember what it’s like, in the middle of a case, like. Can’t think about anything else, can you?’

Jane smiled, and walked to the front of her car.

‘Which way?’

‘I thought a stroll round the harbour. I like looking at the fishing boats.’

‘Of course you do. I mean, yes, I do too.’

They strolled round the harbour side. There were quite a few people about. Some were fishermen, or fishermen’s friends, while some were people just out for a stroll. Iredale nodded and said ‘hello’ to a couple of them.

‘You’re not worried about being recognised?’ she asked.

‘I’d be recognised anywhere, love. But none of them know who you are, do they? It’s not like you’ve got a blue light on your head, now is it?’

Jane laughed.

‘So the CPS has been in touch?’

‘Aye, that’s all sorted. I know where I stand. Say thanks to your boss for me too, would you?’

‘I will. So you’re happy to go ahead?’

‘Absolutely. I would have done it even if you were going to nick me after. I’ve lived here all my life you know. I was born in a house on Fleming Square, just up there, in the town, and I’ve never lived more than a mile from that spot. I tried to help people, when I was in the job, and this feels like my last chance to do a bit of good. If we do this right we could get justice for young Chris Brown, and bring Georgie Hayton down in the process.’

‘We may be able to do that anyway, even without your help. You do understand that?’

Iredale stopped, turned, and looked at Jane.

‘Are you saying that you don’t need me?’

‘No, not that. If we’re to expose any current connections between the job and organised crime then you’re our only hope. I’m just saying that we have got other viable leads on the Brown case. In fact, Andy wanted me to talk to you about that.’

‘Oh, aye? And you trust me enough to tell me, like?’ The old man looked pleased.

‘Of course we do, Bill. We wouldn’t be having this conversation if Andy Hall, and the ACC Crime come to that, didn’t believe your version of events. You were coerced and blackmailed by George Hayton, because that’s what people like him do. We believe that you never sought to benefit from your association.’

The old man was still smiling.

‘And you’re all sure of that, are you?’

‘Andy Hall is never entirely sure that the sun will rise in the morning, so let’s leave him out of it. But yes, we’re sure enough. We wouldn’t be talking now, if not.’

‘So what’s this lead? You want me to use it as some kind of bait?’

‘Pretty much, yes. Andy reckons that you need to prove that you’re useful right from the off, so you need to give Hayton something that no-one else knows.’

‘No-one?’

‘Yes. In fact, you’re going to tell him something that even we don’t know yet.’

‘Sorry, love, but you’ve lost me.’

‘You’re going to tell him something that we don’t know to be true, I mean. You’re going to tell him that Keith has told you that we’re getting very excited about something we found on the videotape, now that it’s gone for specialist analysis.’

‘Is that true?’

‘It’s gone for analysis, yes, but we don’t know what will be found. But we have reason to believe that Hayton is already worried about it.’

‘Because he had that lad mugged?’

‘And his hotel room burgled, yes.’

‘And you want me to see Hayton soon?’

‘Yes, just as soon as you can.’

‘I’ll contact him today.’ Iredale turned away, but Jane caught his arm.

‘We’re not quite finished yet, Bill. There are a couple of things we need to talk about and get sorted before you can do that. You may not be too happy about them.’

‘Oh, aye?’

‘First, there’s a question I have to ask you, and before you answer you need to remember that your safety, and that of your son, could both be at stake.’

The old man nodded. ‘You want to be certain that Keith’s not Hayton’s inside man, like?’

‘Exactly.’

‘Not a chance, love. Not one in a million.’

‘But wouldn’t he say the same about you?’

The old man stopped, and Jane instantly regretted what she’d said.

‘Aye, he would. But that’s not the point. My boy is clean, and I’d bet my life on it. His too, come to that.’

Jane nodded, and they walked on in silence for a while.

‘There was something else?’

‘I’m afraid so. It’s about your wife.’

‘Jean? What about her? I told you before, she knows nowt about all this. Never has, neither.’

‘We know that, but we need her to be admitted to hospital, before you see Hayton.’

‘Hospital? But she’s fine. She takes those tablets for her heart, but that’s it.’

‘I know, but we need to give you an urgent reason for wanting money right now, and we need to be able to keep an eye on your wife for you. This is the best way.’

‘And it’s DCI Hall’s bright idea, I expect?’

‘As a matter of fact it was, yes. Your wife will be taken away from the house by ambulance in the middle of the night, and there’ll be the blues and twos going, the whole thing. She’ll be taken to Carlisle. You’ll be able to see her the next day, and so will Keith.’

‘But that means I’m going to have to tell her about all this.’

‘I’m afraid so.’

Iredale stopped again, suddenly, and it took Jane a second to do the same.

‘Is there no other way?’

‘Not really, no. You need money because you’ve found out that the best heart surgeon at the Cumberland Infirmary only comes in to do private stuff. So you need fifteen grand, and you need it fast. Andy reckons that Hayton will only buy if he’s convinced that you’re desperate. Really desperate.’

Iredale started walking again, more slowly.

‘All right, I’ll do it. I’ll talk to my wife now. You can send the ambulance tonight. About eleven. There should be people about to see it. I suppose it’ll be cops driving?’

‘Yes. They’ll be from Kendal station, not local. I’ve already made the arrangements. But don’t you want to chat it through with her first?’

‘No, love, no. I know the one thing that’ll bother her, and that’s not being able to tell the truth to our Keith. But it’s all in a good cause, like, isn’t it?’

‘Yes. And I admire what you’re doing, Bill.’

‘Don’t be daft, love. I’m just an old fool trying to help put something right. Something I should have sorted out on my own, and years ago at that. But tell me this, how did you get the bosses to sign off on all this? It must be costing a bloody fortune.’

Jane laughed. ‘Sorry to laugh, but I asked Andy Hall that too. He said that the bosses were reluctant, until he dropped in three little words.’

‘Oh, aye? And what were they then?’

‘Health and safety. He said that some civilian pen pusher was called in when he mentioned them, and said that his risk assessment was that your wife should be given protective custody, and that DCI Hall’s strategy was the best one available. Apparently the ACC couldn’t agree fast enough then.’

Iredale laughed. ‘Bugger me, but the job’s changed. When I was a young PC I drove my Cortina straight into the back of a suspect’s car, when he stamped on the brakes, like. I hit my head straight on the top of the steering wheel. No airbags in those days of course. Anyway, I was bleeding and seeing double when I got back to the nick. My sergeant told me to wash the blood off my face and my shirt, and get straight back out on the job, like. I still miss old Jock Taylor.’

‘I can see why’ said Jane, smiling. They were back at her car. ‘Give it until tomorrow, after you’ve been visiting, before you contact Hayton, OK?’

‘Aye, that’d be favourite.’

‘One more thing. Do you drink?’

‘Are you offering? Aye, I’m partial to a single malt.’

‘OK. Take some with you, when you see him tomorrow. Gargle with it, before you go in. He needs to be convinced that you’re reckless, and out of your mind with worry. Because just remember this, Bill. And this comes straight from DCI Hall. We know that you never chose to get involved with George Hayton, so he knows it too.You were never willing to help him, so why are you coming to him now? He’s no fool, is he? And during this investigation we’ve started to understand why he’s been so successful for so long. You hear what I’m saying to you?’

‘Aye, lass. You’re telling me not to underestimate the bastard. Well don’t worry. There’s no chance of that happening, I promise you. No sodding chance at all.’

Friday, May 2nd

Keith Iredale was sitting in his sister’s kitchen. It was early, only barely light, and the children were still fast asleep. She was standing at the sink, looking into the back garden. He thought that she’d probably stopped crying now.

‘Why can’t we see her, Keith?’

‘Dad says she’s not feeling up to it yet. But he said the doctors are pleased with her, and there’s nothing to worry about.’

‘You know dad. Never wants to worry us about anything.’

‘I know, but this time it’s true. I could tell from his voice on the phone. He’s not that worried, I’m sure of it.’

Tina turned to face him. ‘How can you even say that, Keith? He must be worried sick.’

‘Aye, of course, love. I’m just saying. I don’t think it’s too bad, that’s all.’

‘How is she?’ said Mike, walking in to the room and pointing at the kettle. ‘Another brew, anyone? My mouth’s as dry as a dry liner’s jock-strap.’

‘Mike, for fuck’s sake’ said Tina.

‘Sorry, love. Any news?’

‘No’ said Keith. ‘Dad said he’d phone when they know more. Might be later on today.’

‘And she’s at the Cumberland Infirmary?’

‘Aye. She needed to see a specialist there, like.’

‘You see, love?’ said Gambles, putting an arm round his wife’s shoulders. ‘It’ll be reet. You mark my words. It’s all just plumbing, isn’t it?’

‘Thanks Christ you’re not doing it then’, said Iredale. ‘That bloody basin you put in my folk’s
en suite
is still leaking.’

‘That’s because you bought the stuff online. I told you, marrer, it was crap, was that mixer tap.’

Gambles picked the tea bags out of their mugs with his fingers and passed his wife and Keith their mugs. Keith’s had a picture of Postman Pat on it.

‘Can I have a word, like?’ said Gambles, unlocking the back door.

‘Where are you going?’ said Tina, and Mike stopped, with the handle pushed half way down.

‘There’s something I need to talk to Keith about, love.’