Only the Brave (13 page)

2.30 P.M.

Back at Harrison House, Allie followed Perry as he marched up the stairs.

‘How are we playing this?’ he asked.

‘There’s no point in taking her down to the station just yet.’ Allie went through the door as he held it open for her. ‘For
starters
, I’d rather not bring her to the attention of the media scrum unless we have to arrest her. Let’s see why she gave us a different name and assess the situation then. We can get uniform to take a
statement
again afterwards.’

‘Interesting, though. Maybe you were right about the cold.’

Allie nodded. ‘Let’s check it out with her first.’ She knocked on the door. ‘Hello . . . Sophie,’ she said when it was opened. ‘It’s Sophie Nicklin, isn’t it?’

Sophie nodded, bursting into tears as she let them in.

When they were all seated in the living room, Allie looked at the younger woman. She had that wide-eyed look of an animal about to be mowed down with nothing to do but accept her fate.

‘Am I in a lot of trouble?’ Sophie asked. ‘I’m so sorry.’

‘Why did you tell us your name was Rebecca Adams?’

‘It was the first thing that came into my head. I – I panicked. I was shocked that Jordan was dead and I wasn’t thinking straight. It is Jordan, isn’t it?’

‘We’ve yet to release a formal statement but we believe so.’

More tears fell.

‘Why did you think it was him?’ Allie asked after giving Sophie a moment to compose herself.

‘I didn’t – I just assumed. And then when I called him, I saw someone pick up his phone near to the path and I . . .’

‘You do know that you’re not stored under his phone as Sophie?’

‘I didn’t know for sure.’ She started to pick at the skin around her nails. ‘He lives with Kirstie Ryder. Everyone knows how
powerful
she is.’

‘She isn’t.’ Allie bristled at the remark.

‘Well, that’s what everyone around here thinks.’

‘Everyone?’

‘My friend Stella says that Kirstie is a law unto herself, and she can do anything because of who her father is. They also say that if you go after her fella, she’ll scar you for life.’

‘Who’s
they
, Sophie?’

‘Stella. Her husband knows her too. He works at Flynn’s, I think, although I’m not sure what he does.’

‘How long have you known Stella?’

‘Eight months, since I moved in. I –’ She looked up with tears in her eyes. ‘I don’t know anyone else.’

‘Not even from work?’

‘No, I work from home now. I did a bit of temping when I first arrived, for Holdcroft’s Motors on Leek Road. I made a few friends in the office while I was there and went out a couple of times. That was when I met Jordan at Flynn’s. But I was only there for six weeks and when I left, no one kept in touch. They were just work colleagues, really. That’s why when Jordan took my phone
number
. . . Well, I was lonely.’

‘How long had you been seeing him?’

‘About six months. He’d come here after he’d finished work, early in the mornings. It suited me. With being self-employed now
, I s
ometimes work late into the early hours.’

‘What do you do?’

‘I design book covers. There’s a huge market for it online.’

‘We can see from the phone records that he often called you late at night. Were you worried when he didn’t ring?’

‘Yes, that’s why I sent him a message.’ She looked up, fresh tears forming.

Although she had to keep an open mind, Allie suddenly felt sympathy for the woman sitting across from her. She knew from experience that people do stupid things when they’re in shock and Sophie Nicklin’ tears seemed genuine to her, unlike Kirstie Ryder’s earlier that morning. The young woman sitting by her side was raw with grief. She’d also confessed as soon as she had seen them. Maybe she had given a false name because she was scared of repercussions. She didn’t seem to be hiding anything.

‘Do you think anyone knew about the affair?’ asked Perry.

‘Jordan never said.’ Sophie paused to wipe tears from her face. ‘We thought we’d kept it quiet, but can’t you see? He was murdered because of me.’

‘What makes you say that?’ Allie glanced at Perry, saw that he was frowning too.

‘If he hadn’t been coming to see me, he wouldn’t have been on that path.’ Sophie’s breath caught. ‘And if he wasn’t on that path, then no one . . . no one would have . . . do you have any idea who did it?’

‘Nothing we can release yet, I’m afraid,’ Allie continued. ‘Did he always cut through from the main road?’

‘Yes, he parked his car in one of the streets off Ford Green Road. He’d use the path and walk along the side of the building to the main entrance. Less chance of being seen, I suppose.’ Sophie looked at them both in turn. ‘Did he suffer?’

Allie shook her head. ‘I can’t be certain but he would most probably have been unconscious within a minute or so.’ She chewed on her lip. ‘Sophie, when we asked you earlier if you had been to the scene of the crime last night, and you said no, did you lie about that, too?’

‘No, that wasn’t me. I waited up for Jordan but I fell asleep on the sofa. I woke up just before half past three and then I went to bed. I – I must have just missed him because I saw Rita out walking her dog just as I closed my curtains. I only lied about my name because I was scared.’

‘Of what?’

‘Being attacked by Kirstie Ryder. Jordan and I might have loved each other, but he was hers.’

Once out on the walkway when they had finished with their questions, Allie sighed loudly. ‘Those weren’t crocodile tears,’ she said to Perry. ‘I wish we could tell her it was more than likely nothing at all to do with her.’

‘We don’t know that for certain,’ said Perry.

‘I know. But it’s possible that if someone knew Jordan would be there, they might have figured it was the perfect place to carry out the murder.’

‘Which means it could be someone local? Someone in these flats?’

‘Yes,’ said Allie. ‘We need to rule out who
couldn’t
have been in the vicinity because they were elsewhere.’ She looked down to the ground, could see that Nick had arrived to address the press later at the news conference. She glanced along the walkway and on the walkways overhead. Lots of people still hanging around, despite the drizzle in the air and the dark drawing in.

But Allie had another black cloud hanging over her head right now. She needed to ring Mark before it was too late.

3.00 P.M.

Allie felt a sharp stab of apprehension as she heard Mark’s voice again.

‘You’re there for a late one, aren’t you?’ he said.

His annoyance was clear in his tone. And, although she knew he wouldn’t be happy when he found out that she was going to be here for the night, she was more unsure of what she was about to say next. ‘I’m afraid so. We’re just gathering everything together for the press conference.’

She heard him sigh. ‘I might go out for a pint with Chris.’

‘Great.’ Her tone was fun. ‘Have one for me.’

‘Are you going to be on the TV?’

‘I’ll probably be in the background. Look, there’s something I need to tell you.’

‘Christ, you don’t know him as well, do you?’

‘No, this is nothing like before!’

‘Good! I know Stoke is a small city but it was getting a bit ridiculous.’

Allie relented when she heard his tone soften. Well, in for a penny . . .

‘You will have heard of him. Or more, to the point, you will have heard of the nightclub that he runs. It’s Jordan Johnson, from Flynn’s.’

‘That super cool young dude who was in
The Sentinel
about a month ago? Sitting on some flash car as he talked about a new wing opening?’

‘Yes. He was in a terrible way. Most neighbours have been pretty friendly with us today but there is a growing atmosphere of . . . something. There’s more I need to tell you.’ She paused for the briefest of moments before blurting it out. ‘He was living with Kirstie Ryder.’

There was a long pause from him. Allie didn’t know what to fill it with.

‘What goes around comes around, hmm?’

‘Sorry?’ She didn’t quite catch his meaning.

‘Well, her father was a nasty piece of shit who deserved to be locked up. I suppose I shouldn’t complain that my wife is dealing with him again if it means solving a murder. Do you have to visit his house?’

‘You know he isn’t going to be there!’

‘But the memories . . .’

Allie closed her eyes for a moment. What was she supposed to do? Tell her DI that she couldn’t work the case anymore because her husband was annoyed that she could be in Terry Ryder’s clutches again?

‘I wish I could tell you to stay away, but I know you won’t,’ he added.

‘I can’t do that. I have to do my job. It’s not like I want to –’

‘So you’re not going to be back in time for tea this evening?’ he broke in.

‘No.’ She held back a sob. ‘I’ll definitely make time to call in and see Karen though, even if it’s really late.’

‘Okay. Priorities and all that.’

‘And you’ll call me the minute anything changes?’ She hated to sound so needy.

‘Of course I will.’

A small pause. ‘Mark?’

‘If it isn’t some maniac coming after you that I’m worried shitless about, it’s another one that nearly wrecked our marriage. Just be careful, Allie. I want you for myself – is that too much to ask?’

‘Of course it isn’t!’

Another pause. The noise around her came back into focus. People talking, machinery clanking, doors banging, lenses clicking. Life was going on while hers was suspended in time. And there was still a murder to solve.

‘I’m sorry,’ was all she could think of to say.

‘I’m not happy, but I’m not about to have a strop like a teenager and hang up either.’

‘I know. But, thanks.’

She disconnected the phone after another long silence between them. ‘I just need something from the car,’ she told Perry as she rushed off. Ignoring the people on the ground, she almost ran across the car park. The car had been reversed into a space with its boot up against the wall to the flats. She flicked up the boot lid, went to the back of the vehicle and dipped her head behind i
t, ou
t of sight. She breathed in deeply, pressing her hand across her mouth. Squeezing her eyes tight, she gasped as she tried to contain her emotions. Why did this murder have to happen now? Why couldn’t it have happened next week or the week after, when she had said goodbye to her sister?

But she knew it wasn’t all to do with Karen. It was the guilt of everything rushing at her. She had let Karen down all those years ago but she had let Mark down too. Why hadn’t she been honest with him, shared her fears as well as her hopes?

If the man who had attacked her sister was watching her now, hiding while she broke down, he would think he had won. He’d done this to her. What a way to live her life.

No.

She wouldn’t let him win. She wouldn’t let Ryder win either.

‘Allie?’ Perry appeared gingerly by her side.

She wiped at her eyes quickly. ‘Be with you in a moment,’ she said, turning her back to him.

‘Okay.’

She heard him step away and then stop. ‘I’m not Sam so I can’t do the girlie thing but Lisa tells me I give her a mean hug that always cheers her up. Let me now if you need one.’

‘Piss off, you soppy sod. You’ll have me crying more.’ Allie looked at him through watery eyes, before batting him away with a hand. ‘I’ll be fine in a minute.’

3.45 P.M.

The press conference was due to start shortly. As senior investigating officer, Nick was running through some final
preparations
before it was time to speak. Even though Allie wouldn’t have to be in front of the camera, she could still feel her
stomach
flipping over at the thought of the footage going out live. She prayed that the residents in the flats didn’t start
swearing
loudly or pulling faces, do anything vulgar or disrespectful while they looked over from the walkways. She could just imagine the rumours that had been circulating around the flats during the day about who the man was and why the police wouldn’t give out his name yet. Jordan’s body had been removed from the crime scene half an hour ago now and formal identification would take place once they’d been briefed for the evening. Jordan’s name would most probably be given out formally later that night. Local press and radio had speculated as much as they could and she’d informed Simon Cole that she couldn’t give any definite answers yet, although he would still be the first to know.

Perry came over to her. ‘It couldn’t have happened in a worse place for privacy, could it?’

‘I know. Everyone seems to be taking a look.’ Allie glanced up through the drizzle that had started again in the last hour. ‘Bloody mobile phones – all the photos being taken no matter how many times we tell them not to or remove them, videos being made. They’ll be all over YouTube and we can’t police that as well.’

‘And we can hardly cordon off every home either.’ Perry shook the rain from his hair. ‘I’m sick of people complaining about us taking over the car park. I had someone have a go at me earlier, annoyed at being routinely questioned. They’ve got no respect for the fact that someone has died.’

‘Always the same, Perry. Murder’s okay as long as it’s not on your doorstep. Selfish, that’s what I call it.’

‘I just hope they show some respect for our vic’s family.’

‘Mrs Johnson has asked if she can lay flowers at the scene after seeing Jordan.’

Social media was the one thing Allie had mixed feelings about. Over the past few years, everything had become so open. She disliked the public’s penchant for watching another’s sorrow, seeing if they could pick out any suspects. She could almost hear the
whispers
above. ‘
He hasn’t shed a tear. He must be guilty
.’ ‘
She doesn’t look upset. I bet it’s her
.’ Everyone had their own thoughts. Luckily most kept them to themselves.

Nick beckoned them over. ‘We have enough cover at the office for when the number goes out,’ he told Allie. ‘For a few hours at least. It will be interesting to see if anyone talks.’

A short, stocky cameraman who looked better placed to be at home with his grandkids came across to them. ‘We’ll be going live as soon as you’re ready,’ he told Nick.

Allie watched Nick quickly flick over his notes for one final time and then walk towards where the microphones were set up. She followed, positioning herself to his left behind him, not directly on camera.

Nick cleared his throat and ran through the details they had so far. Then he took a few questions from the waiting press.

‘Can you say what the exact cause of death was?’ Simon Cole asked. Allie noted his confident stance, not deterred by the rabble of reporters jostling him for room.

‘We don’t have those details yet. Once the post-mortem has been carried out, I’ll be able to tell you more.’

Nick answered a few more questions and when there was a natural lull, looked into the camera again. ‘Anyone who has any information can contact us at the station or on the national crime line telephone. The numbers are coming up on your television screens. I have handouts for press.’ He turned to leave.

‘Speculation is that it’s Jordan Johnson. Can you confirm if this is true or not?’

All heads turned to see who had spoken. Allie groaned inwardly when she saw it was Pete Simpson from
The Staffordshire Times
.

Nick turned back to the camera. ‘That’s
speculation
. I can confirm nothing at this present moment. You all must understand that this is a sensitive issue and until we have formal identification for the family, we cannot give out a name.’ He walked away quickly. Allie followed, too.

‘They knew his name,’ said Nick as she joined them. ‘I know it’s hard to keep it at bay but any idea how they got it?’

‘Just speculation, like you said,’ said Allie, ‘although there will be lots of staff from Flynn’s who know about it now.’

‘Let’s hope the press conference jogs someone’s memory.’ Nick glanced at his watch. ‘I’ll head back to the station, check in with the DCI and leave you to it here.’

‘Okay, sir.’

Once Nick had gone, Allie took out her phone to see if there were any new messages or emails for her to deal with. As she looked at the screen, she had the distinct feeling that someone was
watching
her. Her head shot up, her eyes skimming the small crowd who were rubbernecking. Was someone after her attention?

She watched for a little longer, but she couldn’t see anything in particular, just faces, people intrigued by what was happening. It still caused her to shiver.

‘You okay, boss?’ asked Perry.

Distracted, Allie looked up at him. ‘Hmm? Oh, yes, I’m fine. Just thinking what to tackle next.’

She smiled to appease him. There was no way she was telling him that. He’d never leave her side. Besides, she glanced around the area one more time, the feeling had gone now. It was probably something and nothing.

‘That stupid bitch!’ Craig flung down the TV remote control and grabbed his jacket. He left the flat and flew down the stairs,
keeping
his head bowed as he strode over to Stella.

‘Phone call for you.’ He grabbed her by the arm.

‘But I have my mobile with me and –’

‘I told you to keep your mouth shut,’ he seethed as he marched back up the stairs with her.

‘I haven’t said a thing!’

He kept his eyes peeled as he led her along the walkway. When they got to their front door, he pushed her inside and kicked it shut behind them.

Stella ran into the living room.

‘Who did you tell?’ He came in after her, slamming that door too.

‘No one!’ Stella held up her hands. ‘I swear I told no one.’

‘You must have. No one else knew.’

‘That reporter said people have been speculating all day. I’ve heard his name mentioned quite a few times.’

‘You do realise that the police will know someone in these flats knows something?’

‘You’re not listening to me! Whoever it was didn’t find out from me. Besides, people everywhere must know by now.’

Craig’s eyes narrowed. Of course it was possible. He’d received lots of messages from people asking if he’d heard what had
happened
.

‘Did you tell Leah?’ he asked.

Stella wouldn’t look at him.

‘What aren’t you telling me?’ Grabbing a handful of her hair, Craig dragged her through to the hall. ‘Was she the woman seen last night going into the flats at the same time Jordan was found. Was it Leah?’

‘No, I don’t think so.’

Craig raised his fist and pulled it back. ‘My fucking life might depend on this!’

‘Don’t hit me! Please!’ Stella began to cry. ‘She saw Jordan last night.’

Craig released his grip a little. ‘Go on.’

‘She was drunk. She can’t remember why but she knew it was Jordan. I didn’t tell her anything.’

Craig went out onto the balcony and marched towards
Leah’s flat.

‘Hello?’ Leah answered her phone.

‘Leah!’ cried Stella. ‘Where are you?’

‘I’m in my flat. What’s –?’

‘Craig’s coming along. Make sure your door is locked.’

Leah ran to the door and locked it immediately. ‘What’s goin
g on?’

‘He knows.’

‘You promised you wouldn’t say anything! Why the –’

There was a bang on the door. Leah jumped and ran into the kitchen. She peeped around the corner of the door frame. ‘He’s here,’ she whispered.

‘Did you lock the front door?’

‘Yes.’

‘Stay where you are and I’ll come to you when he’s gone.’

‘But –’ Leah heard the letterbox being lifted and pulled her head back sharpish.

‘Open the fucking door!’ Craig banged with his fist again. ‘I know you’re in there, Leah. Me and you need to have a little chat.’

Leah clamped a hand to her mouth to stop him from hearing her frantic breathing, a gasp, a sigh, anything that would give her away. Finally, she heard the letterbox snap shut, a kick at the
bottom
of the door and then silence.

‘Are you there, Leah?’ Stella was still on the phone.

‘Yes, I’m here,’ she said. ‘I can’t believe you grassed me up.’

‘I had to tell him. He was going to hit me, I swear. He wanted to know who I had told about Jordan’s name after it got out at the press conference.’

‘But I didn’t tell anyone!’ Leah’s voice came out high-pitched. ‘Don’t you dare go around spreading that rumour.’

‘I know it wasn’t you. Everyone was talking about Jordan
Johnson
. But Craig was so mad that he wouldn’t listen. You know how violent he can be. I panicked. I’m sorry.’

Leah dropped to the floor and pulled her knees into her chest. ‘What am I going to do now? Everyone will be after me if he says anything.’

‘I didn’t tell him about the money. I just told him that you came across Jordan last night and –’

‘It’s the same thing. He’ll work it out.’

‘Look, let me check from here where Craig goes. If he leaves, I’ll come to you.’

‘No, I don’t know if it’s safe.’ Leah stood up.

‘It’s me, Leah. You can trust me!’

‘I did trust you and look what’s happened!’

‘He just caught me unawares and scared the truth out of me. I never sold you out.’

Leah disconnected the phone and paced the room. Shit, she was in for it now. She had no choice but to move the money as soon as possible.

If she didn’t, she might lose more than ten thousand pounds.