The Fourth Friend (DI Jackman & DS Evans #3)(53)

*

Three-quarters of an hour later, Jackman sat opposite Ruth Crooke, wondering how much more the woman could take. The invincible superintendent he was used to seeing had gone. He understood why, but found the transformation dispiriting.

‘I never told you, Rowan, but my sister did not have a good death, if there is such a thing. That is probably why I try to compensate when it comes to Leah. I only want the best for her, and whereas we can’t ensure the easiest passage through life, I did want her journey to be a safe one.’ Ruth pushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear. ‘She found her mother’s body.’

Jackman already knew that Ruth’s sister had taken her own life, but not that her daughter had found her. ‘I am so sorry, Ruth. That’s a terrible thing to happen to someone, especially a young person.’

‘I think that’s why she’s studying psychology. She wants to help save others from the same fate.’

‘A very good reason.’ He smiled. ‘I thought she was a very strong young woman. Now I’m certain of it.’

‘So, what have you gleaned from the Hurley creature?’

Jackman explained about the interview. ‘The second time I went in, I took Rosie with me, and we found out a bit more.’ He leaned forward. ‘We believe that this mystery man only intended to put the frighteners on you via your niece. It was Danny Hurley who upped the game. We’ve pieced together what he was actually instructed to do, and the rest he did off his own bat. Both Rosie and I believe that the intention was never to kidnap or abduct her, but Danny changed the plan.’

Ruth frowned. ‘So he was out to scare me, not take Leah.’

‘That’s what I think. The instructions this man, if indeed it is a man, left were quite convoluted. Danny had to use gofers and keep himself in the background, out of sight. He was to conduct the orchestra, not play the instruments himself.’

‘Well, that didn’t work, did it? They really should have done their homework before hiring him.’

‘Yes. He, or she, certainly picked a wrong one there.’

‘Hearing this makes me feel a little easier, although we can never assume anything, can we?’

‘Of course not, ma’am. But I feel the same. Danny’s unpredictability could have caused some really serious damage.’

‘So how can we trace his unknown “employer?”’

‘Well . . .’ Jackman hesitated. ‘I was thinking I’d deploy Carter out on the streets. He knows more about the local thieves and villains than all the rest of us plods put together.’

‘And has more connections in higher circles than the chief constable.’ There was a hint of bitterness in Ruth’s words. ‘He’s an enigma. But like it or not, he’s a valuable asset. Just never, never let him know I said that.’

‘As if!’

‘Okay, let him go digging, but for God’s sake, keep him on a short rein.’

‘I’ll do better, ma’am. I’ll hand over the reins to Marie Evans.’





CHAPTER TWENTY

Carter looked worried. ‘I’ll do my best, but I’ve probably used up most of my loyalty points tracking the bastard down in the first place.’

‘Try money.’ Jackman looked around. There was no one within earshot. ‘I’ve made a few minor adjustments to my budget sheet.’ He held out an envelope.

‘I don’t need that, sir. I think Ruth should have this one on me, after all she’s gone through.’

‘Take it. She was the one who authorised it.’

Marie took the envelope and pushed it deep into her jacket pocket. ‘Well, while you two are forming the Saltern debating society, I’m making the decisions. Come on, Carter, let’s get back out there.’

Carter threw up his hands in surrender. ‘Gotta go. Orders.’

Jackman watched them walk away. They were clearly comfortable working together. He just prayed that Carter’s issues didn’t affect Marie any more than they had already. Perhaps, just perhaps, finding out what happened to Suzanne Holland would draw a line under this whole episode.

Jackman went back into his office and closed the door. When something terrible happened, there was always more than one victim. Disaster had a ripple effect, like a pebble thrown into a lake, drawing in many more people than those directly involved. Jackman sighed. He had a feeling that things were going to get a whole lot worse before they got better.

*

‘At sodding last! Got something, lads!’ Max snatched an email from the printer. Robbie and Charlie hurried over.

‘Doolan is in Scunthorpe General Hospital. He was in an RTC yesterday.’

‘How bad is he?’ asked Charlie.

‘Not good, but not critical either. We need to go see him.’ Max grinned at Robbie. ‘And even though there’s no sun, sea, sand or sangria, like some people’s recent trips, this one is mine.’

Robbie held up his hands. ‘Scunthorpe is all yours.’ He grinned back. ‘Although I am bitterly disappointed.’

‘Yeah, I’m sure. Bitterly.’

Max hurried off to tell the boss, and Robbie and Charlie returned to their desks. It wasn’t over yet. They still had to place him at the scene of the crime. But at least they now knew where he was, and by the sound of it, he wouldn’t be going anywhere any time soon. Another link in the chain.