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Andy Walters and Mike Harris were in the presence of a body. A patch of woodland just outside Persford was the latest crime scene where a teenage boy had been discovered by a dog walker. The boy had been savagely beaten before he died, rendering his facial features unrecognisable.
Andy and Mike donned protective clothing and approached the white tent which had been erected around the body.
‘Morning, Alistair,’ said Mike. ‘What have we here?’
‘Male, about eighteen to twenty by my estimate. Must have upset someone. He’s taken a real beating. I’ll know more when I get him on the table.’
‘Cause of death?’
‘Large cut to the throat,’ said Alistair, pulling down the collar of the victim’s jacket which was soaked with blood.
Andy and Mike saw the gaping wound which passed right through a tattoo of a spider’s web.
‘So, who do you reckon? Dylan Beggs?’said Andy.
‘Looks like it, from the tattoo. Reported missing by his sister two days ago, not by his mother, which is interesting.’
‘His face is going to be a mess for the ID but I’m sure his fingerprints are on file, cautioned for possession I think,’ said Andy.
‘OK, Alistair, we’ll wait for your report and we’ll get someone to do the death knock,’ said Mike.
It was a depressing sight. Even though they’d made inroads into the Kilburn Boys they still had members working in the area and Dylan must have upset them in some way. He would have been coerced into joining them and then been deemed surplus to requirements. A familiar tale of a short life which had achieved little and had ended too soon.
**
Maureen was at work in her office when her mobile rang. She didn’t recognise the number and it wasn’t one of her contacts.
‘Hello?’ she answered tentatively.
‘Mrs Radford, Jed here.’
‘Oh, Jed, have you a new number?’
‘Yes, this is the best one to contact me on.’
‘Yes, I did try your old number but it just rang out. So, are you back in the area?’
‘Well, that’s what I wanted to discuss with you. Do you think it’s OK to come back now?’
‘Probably, but perhaps give it a few more days. I’ll make some enquiries.’
‘I see, well I’ll wait to hear from you.’
‘I’ve been thinking, perhaps it might be better not to go back to where you were staying before. Do you have any formal arrangement with your rent or anything?’
‘No, I just pay a mate. I’m not on a rental agreement. But if I don’t stay there I’m not sure where I could go, not immediately, that is.’
‘Well, Welch Properties has quite a few flats which might be suitable. You could have a look at some. What do you think?’
‘I think that would be very acceptable,’ replied Jed.
Maureen could detect that he was smiling just from the tone of his voice.
‘However, I don’t think it would appropriate for me to lease a property to you in your own name if you get my drift?’
‘I think I do,’ replied Jed.
‘So, if the rental agreement could be in someone else’s name? We would require some proof of identity of course.’
‘I’ll make sure I have some documents,’ he replied.
‘Excellent. I’m sure we can work something out. So, have you got any work lined up?’
‘This and that. I’m not too busy if you ever need any help or advice. There’s also the matter of the money which Ron said I owed him.’
‘Don’t worry about it.’
‘Really? You’re sure?’
‘Quite sure. Consider the matter closed.’
‘Oh, I see. Well, that’s very generous of you. I’d like to repay the favour sometime, should you need any help.’
‘That’s good to know. You never know what might crop up.’
‘Anytime, just give me a call,’ he paused. ‘There is the small issue of my file. I’d like it back so I can destroy it.’
‘Of course. It’s here waiting for you. Next time you are in the area drop by.’
‘I will, thank you, Mrs Radford.’
‘I better go, I’ve another call coming through on my mobile. Bye.’
Maureen quickly answered the other call.
‘Peter, congratulations on your promotion. What is it now?’
‘Oh, thank you, Assistant Chief Constable. It was just fortunate that someone retired leaving me to move into his shoes.’
‘I think you are being too modest,’ said Maureen, smiling to herself. ‘So, how are things?’
‘Oh, not bad. Busy here at work, the criminals don’t give us much rest of course,’ he chuckled nervously.
‘No, of course not. But I’m sure you are doing an excellent job of keeping us safe.’
‘We try our best,’ he paused.
Maureen waited.
‘Anyway, the reason I’m phoning is personal. I don’t want you to feel under pressure, you must say no if you think it’s too soon.’
Maureen smiled. She had an idea what was coming as she had heard that Peter had been divorced some years ago.
‘Would you like to have dinner with me sometime? I mean as friends, of course. I don’t want you to think I’m being forward, after all, it’s only a couple of months...’ Peter’s voice faded away as he was having difficulty completing his sentence.
‘That would be lovely, thank you. But I think it would be best if you came here, rather than us meet in a restaurant in town. You never know who might spot us and as you say, it’s only been a few months.’
‘Oh, yes, well, of course, whatever you prefer.’
‘I’m a bit busy at the moment but I’ll check my diary and get back to you. Is that OK?’
‘Yes, yes, just give me a call. I’ll look forward to hearing from you.’
‘Great. I’ll be in touch, very soon,’ said Maureen.
‘Bye, take care,’ said Peter.
She ended the call and smiled. Life had to go on and Peter seemed a pleasant enough man. She had no intention of striking up a romance, not at the moment but in the future perhaps Cupid with his golden arrow would be circling around Brensford Manor.
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THE END
