Dead Wrong

CHAPTER TEN

Maggie embraced the silence when she got home. She chucked her coat over the railing and removed her shoes, leaving them on the small shoe rack her brother had made. Andy wasn’t due in from work for another hour and she decided to use the time to unwind. She needed to have a conversation with him and wasn’t sure where to begin.

Her brother had moved in a few months earlier after coming to Maggie with his financial problems. Maggie had agreed to pay off his heavy gambling debts to avoid further strain on his relationship with their parents. In exchange, he would do any home repairs and, in the long run, she probably got the better end of the deal.

Unbeknownst to Andy, their parents had said they were hoping to visit in a few weeks. He had done a fantastic job on redecorating the spare room, but Maggie wasn’t sure when or how she would explain to their parents the current living arrangements. Why do families have to be so complicated?

Maggie called out to Scrappy, her fiercely independent ginger cat, as she made her way into the kitchen. ‘Scrappy. Come on and get your dinner!’ No response. That’s odd. She grabbed the can opener out of the top drawer, figuring if he heard her opening a tin of food, he’d show his furry face. He didn’t.

Maggie opened the back door and looked into the garden. She grabbed her sweater from the hook and pulled on her rubber boots, making her way down the path and calling out to the pain-in-the-backside cat of hers. ‘Scraaaaappy. Here kitty cat. I have your favourite din dins.’ She tapped the tin with the opener.

When she got to the bottom of her garden, she noticed that the gate was open a crack. It was usually locked and she cursed her brother under her breath. Maggie pushed the gate closed, pulled the bolt across and made her way inside. Scooping his food into his bowl, Maggie placed it on the mat by the door and then took off her boots. There was a chill in the house, so she kept her sweater on and poured herself a glass of wine.

She ambled towards the living room and reclined in the settee, putting her feet up on the table, just as her brother came through the door.

‘Hey, did you leave the back gate unlocked?’ She called out to him.

‘Well hello to you too!’ Andy laughed.

‘Sorry. How was your day, dear brother? Did you leave the back gate unlocked?’ A smile tugged at her lips.

‘Not me. I haven’t been out there for a few days. Why? Was it open?’

‘Yeah, it’s unlocked. I noticed when I went to go look for Scrappy.’

‘That’s weird. Do you want me to check it out?’

‘Erm – police officer here … no need. I am not worried. Probably someone trying it on, or kids – you know what they can be like. You only have to reach over to unlock it. But if you have a strong padlock spare, it might be a good idea to put that on, just in case.’

‘I’ll sort it.’ He scratched his head.

‘Was Scrappy around when you left?’

‘Pretty sure he was; he usually goes out his flap when I leave. But I can’t say for definite.’

‘OK. So, how was your day?’

‘Fine. Same shit, different day. I’m thinking of maybe looking for something in the building trade. I’m getting sick of the monotony of it all in the factory and the shifts can be draining. You know how I feel about starting my own business. Any experience would be good at this stage.’ He looked deflated and Maggie frowned. ‘Don’t worry. I won’t be leaving anytime soon. Just something to think about.’

‘Phew! I had a mini panic then. There’s still so much to do on the house!’ She grinned and then fiddled with her hair. ‘Do you have a minute to chat?’

‘Sounds ominous. Let me jump in the shower and put some dinner on. Have you eaten?’

‘Not yet. What are you making?’

‘Might use up the veggies and do a stir-fry or something.’

‘Perfect! I’ll start chopping.’

He paused at the doorway. ‘About this little chat. Do I need to be worried?’

‘Don’t be silly. It’s just a conversation that we probably should have had two months ago.’ His frown deepened and she tried a reassuring smile. ‘Seriously,’ her voice sounded forced. ‘It’s nothing to worry about, now go.’ She imitated whipping a tea towel at his backside as he left the room.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Andy wouldn’t be in the shower for long and Maggie knew she had to get her words and thoughts together before she broached the subject with him. She regularly spoke to her mother on the telephone and tried to visit her parents in Glasgow at least twice a year. They understood that her job was important, and her mother had once told her how proud her father was of her – though he never told her that himself.

When it came to her brother, however, both of her parents had reached the end of their tether. Recalling her last conversation with her mother, Maggie sighed.

‘Have you forgot what he was like growing up? Always in and out of all levels of trouble. Granted, he never brought the police to the door, but he was close enough at times.’

Maggie had put the phone on speaker and carried on reading.

‘Always wanted to have the better things in life, and even though your dad and I tried our hardest, the ungrateful sod wanted more … are you listening?’

‘Yes, Mum …’

‘That brother of yours … hmph … turning to gambling and each time he won a little, he wanted more. Selfish, Maggie. Not a care in the world about any of us. And no shame in taking our money, our savings.’

Maggie could almost see her mother’s head shaking.

‘Yes, I was foolish. Giving him money behind your dad’s back. You wouldn’t believe the rows that caused when he eventually found out. Your father can’t stand the sight of him now.’

Maggie felt bad for her parents. She had always suspected their mother gave him more money than even she or their father knew about.

She shook her head and focused back on chopping the vegetables for dinner. It was about time things changed on that front. Her plan was a welcome distraction from the crap that her work life had brought with it.

Maggie was proud of Andy and how much he had turned his life around since their initial head to head a couple of months ago. He was paying off his debt, steering clear of gambling and attending Gamblers Anonymous. All of this in such a short period of time might win their parents over. Hope fluttered inside her.

She looked up and saw his gangly legs as he stomped his way down the stairs. He popped his head in the doorway, drying his hair with a towel.

‘Do I have time to make a cuppa before this lecture? Do you want one?’

She laughed. ‘Behave! It’s just a chat. And yes, I’d love a coffee.’ The wine was making her feel a little light-headed. She returned to the living room and sat down.

When he joined her, he held her coffee out, handle towards her, something he used to do as a kid to show how hard he was as the cup burned his hand. Rather than messing with him, she took the cup and thanked him.

‘OK, so …’ she took a deep breath, ‘I wanted to talk to you about Mum and Dad …’ She waited for the protestations and when none came, she went on. ‘Nothing definite at the moment but they may be coming down next month to stay—’

‘And you want me out? That’s OK, no need for any explanations. I’ll start looking in the morning.’ He pressed his lips together.

‘Fuck sake, Andy. Would you let me finish? I don’t want you out. In fact, I’m really glad that you’re here. Getting to know you after so much time apart has been nice, and the work you’ve done has probably saved me a small fortune, though maybe I shouldn’t point that out.’ She saw a smile form on his face.

‘Well, that’s good. I know I’ll eventually have to move out, but I think this is the perfect set-up for me at the minute. Your work ethic and, frankly, your bitchy attitude, and I mean that in the nicest possible way, is what’s driving me to do well for myself.’

‘Aww. Now don’t be getting soft on me. Look, I just wanted to give you enough notice and I guess I’m going to have to do the same with the folks. I don’t want to drop a bombshell on them, but they need to know. I just think that now is the time to burn down some of the barriers that have been up for far too long. I know it’s early days, but you’ve done incredibly well.’

‘Now who is getting soft …’

‘Oi! I can still kick your arse both verbally and physically if I really wanted to, never forget that.’ She raised her fist and shook it at him.

He held his hands up in surrender. ‘OK, copper. Calm down. So how are you going to approach this with Mum and Dad?’ He turned the mug in his hands and stared at the floor. ‘I’ve put them through a lot. And I’ll never be able to afford to pay them back, but maybe if my new venture works out, I can at least show willing and make a start.’

‘I think that would be a great idea, but like you said, small steps. You still have a long way to go before you can say you’ve kicked your habit, you know. Relapse usually happens when a person feels they have beat the problem.’

‘Trust me, I’m done with all that shit. I’m a whole new person. There’s no such thing as a little bet for me these days.’ He paused, caught Maggie’s eye and took a deep breath. ‘If it wasn’t for you giving me yet another chance, I’m not sure where I would be.’ His eyes glistened.

Maggie wasn’t one to handle emotion easily, especially since she rarely saw her brother cry. If her memory served her correctly the only other time she witnessed any emotion from her brother was when their grandfather died and that was twenty years ago. She immediately changed the subject. ‘Hey. Well will you look at us now. Two adults having an adult conversation. So, we’re good then? Now all I have to do is convince Mum and Dad …’

CHAPTER TWELVE

DI Abigail Rutherford looked around the open-plan office. ‘Anyone seen Maggie?’

The small team of officers that formed Staffordshire’s Major and Organised Crime Department looked at each other before DS Nathan Wright piped up. ‘I think she’s on lates today, ma’am.’

Abigail looked at her watch. ‘Damn. OK, thanks Nathan. When she gets in, can you tell her I need to see her? It’s urgent.’ The CCRC were investigating Raven’s appeal and needed to speak to Maggie.

She shook her head at the thought that Raven was now claiming that he was unlawfully arrested and imprisoned. The worst thing was he may have grounds for that appeal after all. She was under a lot of pressure both at work and at home. With her second divorce looming, her head was a mess. Her only saving grave was that she’d never had children with either of her husbands. She couldn’t think about that now. Instead, Raven’s situation and the predicament her team currently found themselves in had to take priority.

Abigail was torn between viewing Raven as a potentially dangerous offender and needing to keep an open mind that he could be acquitted and released.

She loaded up the details on her computer and began to trawl through the original statements taken by Maggie. She had no doubt that Maggie did everything by the book, and as the Crown Prosecution Service, or CPS as they are better known to those in the criminal justice services, believed there had been enough evidence to charge and convict Bill Raven, she had no cause to be concerned. At least she hoped she didn’t. But she also knew that if Maggie let her obsession with Raven continue, it could lead the whole department into a nightmare.

She was startled by a knock on her door and nearly jumped out of her seat. Seeing Nathan, she smiled.

‘Sorry, ma’am. Maggie texted to say she’s meeting up with some of her old colleagues from the DAHU – sorry, Domestic Abuse and Homicide Unit – and then heading to the Crown Courts to speak with someone in the CPS.’

‘Did she say who? Or why?’ Abigail frowned.

‘Sorry, ma’am. She didn’t. Do you want me to get back to her and ask?’

‘No. That’s fine. I’ll speak to her.’

Although Maggie needed some time to readjust, Abigail wouldn’t tolerate having her instructions ignored. Their DCI was already on the warpath for reasons yet unknown to her and he’d come down on her like a ton of bricks if she didn’t keep her team in line. The Chopper case had almost destroyed Maggie the first time around, and Abigail wouldn’t let it happen again. Reaching for her phone, she dialled the only person at the CPS she knew to have any influence and hoped that Maggie got the message.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Maggie arrived at Markston train station with plenty of time before her planned meeting with PC Mark Fielding and Probation Officer Lucy Sherwood. As annoying as it could be to take public transport, it also helped clear her head.

Mark still worked with the domestic abuse team, but Maggie knew he was spending more and more of his time at the haven Lucy had set up for victims of domestic abuse after her own personal experiences the year before. Maggie loved the name – SAFE – it stood for Strength. Acceptance. Freedom and Empowerment. Maggie still shuddered at the thought of what Lucy had endured.

She missed working with the domestic abuse team, even if it had been draining. Walking through town, Maggie headed in the direction of Costa. She ordered a cappuccino with an extra shot, grabbed a table outside and enjoyed the feel of the sun on her face. She pulled out her mobile and began scrolling through the news on the internet. When she saw the headline ‘Raven’s Appeal Makes a Mockery of the Police’ and read the section outlining her incompetency, she wished she had not bothered. All the papers seemed to follow along the same theme. Maggie bet that Raven was feeding them information, as none of what she read had been discussed in the press conference.

Looking around, she saw two figures she instantly recognized. Maggie waved as they approached the table.

‘Hello! It’s so great to see you both.’ Maggie stood and hugged Mark and Lucy before sitting back down.

‘Are you okay for a coffee, Maggie?’ Mark pointed to her half-drunk cup on the table.

‘I’m good for now, thanks.’

‘What are you having, Lucy? I’ll get these in and you two can have a catch-up.’ Mark smiled and affection glowed in Lucy’s eyes.

‘Cappuccino, please.’ Lucy pulled up a chair, so she could face Maggie.

As Mark walked away, Maggie grinned. ‘So, is there something I should know?’

Lucy waved her hand. ‘Don’t be silly. Mark and I are just friends.’

‘You do remember I am a detective, right? I won’t interrogate you, this time …’

‘I like Mark. I’m not going to lie, but I’m just not ready at the moment. Not after … well, you know.’

Maggie placed a hand gently over Lucy’s. ‘I was just teasing. For what it’s worth, I think you and Mark would make a great couple. Just promise you’ll let me know when it does happen.’ Maggie winked and saw the corners of Lucy’s mouth turn up in a smile.

‘Right then, here’s your cappuccino.’ Mark took a seat beside them. ‘So, what’s been happening since we last saw you, Maggie? The Chopper’s appeal sounds like a nightmare.’ Mark placed his coffee on the table.

Maggie didn’t want word getting back to DI Rutherford that she was still following up on things outside of the current investigation. ‘It looks like Lorraine might have been held captive for nearly two years. The other women could still be alive, too.’ Maggie took a sip of her cappuccino. ‘Raven has a clever solicitor trying to make a name for himself, and he managed to convince the CCRC that Raven was not of sound mind when he confessed. We have about six weeks until his next appeal hearing. With the latest murder, the conviction may well be overturned. There’s obviously more to the story, but that’s the basics.’

‘Holy shit. The other women, the ones he also claimed to have murdered, might still be captive somewhere? So, Raven does have grounds for his appeal? But you’re not convinced, are you?’

‘The CCRC are going through everything with a fine-tooth comb. I’d rather not talk about it. What’s been happening at the unit. How’s everyone?’

‘Well Kat is looking to become a detective. She signed up to the accelerated programme and seems to be enjoying it. She’ll need to watch that mouth of hers though. Her brutal honesty will be her downfall if she’s not careful.’ Both Maggie and Lucy nodded agreement.

‘What about DS Hooper? He must be close to retirement now.’ Maggie recalled how keen the DS had been to leave the police after his years of service.

‘As he reminds us every bloody day with his countdown calendar. He’s saving up his annual leave and I think he only has a month or two left. Lucky bastard.’

‘I thought you liked working for the police?’ She looked him in the eyes, knowing she would see the truth no matter what came out of his mouth.

‘I do. But sometimes I just want a change. And with Hooper leaving, God knows who’ll replace him. Lucy did the right thing when she left her full-time position with Probation. At least with the agency work, she gets to pick and choose her hours.’

The quick glance over at Lucy was not lost on Maggie.

Mark continued, ‘I’ll carry on in the unit but keep my options open.’

‘Definitely the right thing to do. How’s Dr Moloney?’ Maggie hoped no one would notice the heat rising in her cheeks.

‘Busy but OK, I guess. A little stressed, what with all the profiles she is putting together on our nominals. Have you not seen her?’ Mark caught her eye.

‘Uh … no. Why?’ Maggie swallowed.

‘Just thought you might have, what with all that Raven stuff going on.’ Another look passed between Lucy and Mark.

‘You pair want to tell me what is going on? I can see the looks, you’re sitting right in front of me.’ Maggie sat back in her chair and crossed her arms.

‘It’s nothing. We know that you and Kate worked well together when you were in the unit. We just thought you’d have kept in touch.’ Lucy smiled, like butter wouldn’t melt.

Maggie took a sip of her coffee. ‘I’ve been meaning to have a proper catch-up, but if you say she’s stressed, then maybe I should leave it.’

‘I should be seeing her later. How about I tell her you’d like to catch-up? She has your number, right? She can call you then when she is a little less under pressure.’

‘Sounds good.’ Looking at her watch, Maggie knew if she didn’t get the next train back to Stafford, she would miss the opportunity to talk to her contact in the CPS. ‘Right. It’s been lovely, but I need to get back.’ After hugging them, Maggie picked up her bag and headed to the train station.

I have a few questions and there’s no way I am going to let the prosecution service wriggle out of answering them …

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Arriving in Stafford, Maggie stopped at the Starbucks in the station and grabbed an Americano. She hadn’t been sleeping well and needed more caffeine in her system to face the long shift she had ahead of her today.

The courts were busy when she arrived. Maggie made her way to the CPS offices and was greeted by one of those receptionists whose smile never reaches her eyes.

‘Can I help you?’ Maggie cringed at the sound of the receptionist’s whiny voice. She barely glanced at Maggie before returning to her computer.

‘Please could I speak to the prosecutor in Bill Raven’s case?’

There was a long pause as the receptionist continued typing on her keyboard. Eventually she paused and looked up. ‘Do you have an appointment?’

Maggie had to take a deep breath. ‘No. I’m with the police – DC Maggie Jamieson.’ She reached into her pocket and took out her card, thunked it hard on the counter.

As if it was contaminated, the woman moved the card closer with two fingers. ‘I’m afraid you still need an appointment. We’re very busy.’

Maggie looked around at the empty hallway. She gripped the desk and her knuckles began to whiten. ‘I don’t need long. Can you just call up and see if he has a few minutes … please?’ Maggie returned the fake smile she got earlier.

‘Well … I’ll try. But I wouldn’t hold your breath.’ The woman punched three numbers onto her telephone keypad and looked at her nails while she waited. ‘Good morning, sir, I have a DC Maggie Jamieson here and she said she’d like a quick word. Do you have time?’ Again, she looked at her nails, and Maggie wished she could hear the other side of the conversation. ‘Hmm … uh huh … OK. Yes, I’ll tell her.’

Maggie straightened her blouse, waiting for the woman to buzz her through.

‘I’m sorry. He’s very busy. He can’t see you today but suggested that you make an appointment and he’ll talk to you then.’ She looked down at an open diary. ‘I have a free slot next Thursday then another—’

‘Never mind. I’ll catch him another time. Thank you for trying.’ Maggie did her best to contain her anger. She’d never had a problem speaking to the prosecutor before; he always made time to see her. What the hell was going on?

The woman responded with her fake smile again. ‘OK, thanks for coming by. Have a nice day.’

Maggie clenched her fists as she left the office. She wondered if DI Rutherford had warned him not to speak with her.

The ten-minute walk around to Stafford Police Station served to make a slight dent in her anger. She needed to keep it in check. Although she respected her boss, there was an air of condescension about her that ruffled more than just Maggie’s feathers.

Maggie climbed the stairs to the second floor and chucked her jacket over her chair. Just as her computer booted up, DI Rutherford called her over to her office.

‘Yes, ma’am. Coming.’ Maggie let out a sigh and slouched over, opened the door and took a seat in front of Rutherford’s desk.

‘Maggie. Did you have a good morning?’

‘I did. I had a few hours before my shift started and went across to Markston.’

‘Yes … I heard. Did you stop by anywhere else? And Maggie, think about your answer.’ The DI glared as she tapped her desk. Maggie sat up in the chair and noticed the dark lines of exhaustion on Rutherford’s face.

So, she had spoken to the prosecutor. ‘Yes, ma’am. I stopped by the courts. I wanted to speak to the CPS, to see if they had anything useful for the current investigation.’

‘Ah. Just for the current investigation then? You know, if I find out you’re doing anything to jeopardize this case – like going on a wild goose chase against Raven, for instance – I’ll have your head on a plate.’

‘Yes.’

‘We have a briefing in an hour and I expect you to be there, focused, having left your views on Raven outside the room. Do you understand?’ DI Rutherford gave her a look that was more than a warning – it was a threat.

‘I do. May I go now? I’ve a lot to do before the briefing.’

‘Of course. And Maggie …’

‘Yes?’

‘Someone from the CCRC wants to speak with you today at 4 p.m. Don’t be late.’ The DI sighed as she looked towards the ceiling.

Maggie responded through gritted teeth. ‘I won’t, ma’am. Thank you.’

She turned abruptly on her heels and left the room. Touching the base of her neck, Maggie squeezed and felt the tension release. At her desk, Maggie took her keys out of her pocket and opened the cabinet that was tucked underneath. Fingering through the files, she went to the very back and pulled out the one labelled ‘THE CHOPPER’.