Conflicted Innocence (10 page)

“I knew you’d understand, Geri. You’re a good person, you know?”

She stepped away from me and continued to Joseph’s room. As she opened the door she gasped, then stepped back, bumping into me.

“I’m sorry,” I said, moving out of the way.

“I fully expected Joseph’s things to be the way I left them. I didn’t think Lee was strong enough to box it all up.”

“He wasn’t. James and I did it. I hope we did the right thing?”

“You did, thanks. This is the room I dreaded the most. The last time I saw him alive, he was chuckling away to himself in his cot.” Her voice cracked halfway through her sentence.

“That’s why we thought it best to pack everything away. It’s all still there for whenever you find the strength to go through it.”

“Thanks. I mean it.” She gripped my fingers once again.

***

James sat in the interview room while Lee gave his statement. A middle-aged, balding detective, DI Cassidy, and his twenty-something female sidekick, Detective Elliot, went through every little detail, which seemed to distress Lee all over again. James worried how he would cope in a court of law.

“When were you last at the cottage, Mr Barnes?” DI Cassidy asked.

“Tuesday morning. I’d been there a few days because I was trying to get as much of the work finished as I could before my wife came home.”

“Home from where?”

Lee glanced at James with a
here-we-go
expression. “She was released from Holloway yesterday.”

That seemed to wake the detective up, and he sat forward in his seat.

“Holloway? Your wife has just been released from prison?”

“That’s right. Listen, I don’t mind telling you. It’s public knowledge anyway. She suffered from post-natal depression and our baby son died in her care.”

“So she was convicted of infanticide?”

“Correct.”

“That must have been terrible, and very traumatic for you to deal with. Were you looking forward to her coming home?”

“Of course I was. My wife is a wonderful, compassionate, and caring woman who happened to suffer from a terrible condition, which resulted in our little boy losing his life. I think she’s paid the price, don’t you?”

DI Cassidy cleared his throat and glanced at his colleague who was struggling to stifle a smile—clearly thrilled to see him put in his place.

“Where was I? Oh yes, when were you last at the cottage?”

“Tuesday morning. Why?”

This alerted James, and his head snapped around to look at his friend, who shot him a sharp look in return.

“It appears the young woman has been there a day or two.”

“Can’t be two, unless she arrived just after I left.”

“Do you have an idea of the exact time you left?”

“Nine—nine thirtyish.”

James’ eyebrows furrowed, and Lee eyeballed him.

“I guess it’s possible she was here right after. Did you see anything suspicious before you left?”

“I’ve already been through all this. No, I didn’t see a thing.”

“Okay, that should be all for now.”

“What will happen?”

“We’ll continue our investigation. We’ll know more once forensics have completed their report and we get the post-mortem results. We’ll interview the neighbours and anybody who knew your attacker, and try to find out the identity of the young lady,” DI Cassidy said.

“What about me?”

“You’re free to go. We will be in touch in the next few days, but I must warn you, there is likely to be a charge of murder.”

“For me?” Lee asked, clearly startled.

“I’m afraid so, sir. But I wouldn’t concern yourself with that too much. From what you’ve told us, it’s a classic case of self-defence.”

“I hope so. I’m the victim here.”

“We know you are, sir. Are you going back to your Nottingham address?”

“Yes, but what about the cottage? Will you make sure it’s all locked up once you’ve finished your investigation?”

“Of course we will. And I’ll give you a call once it’s safe to return.”

They got to their feet.

DI Cassidy walked them out to the car park.

“We should have all we need for now, Mr Barnes, but we’ll call you if not.”

They watched the detective in silence until he was out of earshot.

“You left later than 9am,” James hissed. “I was calling you all day and you said you were decorating and had put the phone on silent.”

“Are you sure? I could’ve sworn it was earlier than that.”

“No. You didn’t reach home until late.”

“It’s not as if it makes a difference. They’ll work out the time of death and see it was way after that time.”

“I guess. But I think you need to mention it to them, nevertheless.”

“Yeah, you’re right. I’ll do it when he calls later.”

Chapter 18

I made it home with just ten minutes to spare before I needed to head back out and drop Grace off at the nursery.

Lydia came with me to collect the few items she’d left at ours, and then she headed back to her own home.

“Are you sure you’ll be alright?” I said, as I pulled Grace’s
Dora the Explorer
coat on.

“I will be. Thanks to you. I just hope Lee’s alright.”

“I know. I thought they would be home by now,” I said, pulling out my phone. “I’ll text James and tell him to let Lee know where to find you. Sorry, Lydia, I’m going to be late. Just pull the door closed when you leave.”

Grace laughed hysterically at being bounced around in the pushchair while I huffed and puffed behind her to get her to the nursery on time. I hadn’t done that amount of running for years.

Fifteen minutes later, I entered the store expecting to see Erica, but instead I was greeted by a middle-aged man. He was tall and unhealthily thin, with a sallow complexion and lank greying hair.

“Hi, I’m Geraldine.”

“Ah, it’s lovely to meet you, Geraldine. I’m Craig—Erica’s husband.” He lifted the hinged counter top for me to pass through into the back. “I’m afraid you’ll have to put up with me this afternoon. Erica’s got one of her heads.”

“Ooh, nothing bad, I hope.”

After the niceties, he showed me to a stack of boxes in the back room. He talked me through the process of checking off the contents and stacking the items either on the shelves in the store, or in the stock room.

I got stuck in and actually enjoyed being left to it. I almost fell over the boxes, a little later, when Craig appeared in front of me.

“Fancy a break? I’ve just put the kettle on,” he said.

I followed him through to the tiny staff kitchen and washed my dirty hands in the sink.

“So, how’s it going so far?” Craig asked.

“Great, yeah. I’m enjoying the peace to be honest with you.”

“Hectic home life? Tea or coffee?”

“Tea, please. Milk, no sugar. Yeah, hectic is one way to describe it. What, with a ten-month-old madam, and the neighbours staying with us.” I realised my mistake as the words were out.

“Neighbours staying? Hmmm, intriguing. Tell all.”

“I’m best off keeping schtum. It’s none of my business. I’m sorry I mentioned it.”

“Now I’m all curious. Come on, cough up. It won’t go any further, I promise.”

“Shop!” came a welcome voice from outside the door.

Craig placed a cup on the Formica table in front of me, before hurrying towards the voice.

Craig appeared back in the doorway a few minutes later. “So come on, what were you about to tell me?”

“Nothing!” I laughed, shaking my head. “I thought women were supposed to be gossips, not men.”

“I’m not a gossip!” He feigned hurt. “I’m just interested in my fellow man.” His cheeky green eyes twinkled.

“Course you are.”

“So, come on. Which neighbours have you been harbouring, and why?”

“Harbouring? That sounds like something you’d say about a criminal.” Once again, I realised what I’d said and almost bit my tongue off.

“Not at all. I think you’ll find
harbouring
means to give a home or shelter to.”

“Okay, okay. I’ll tell you.”

“Hang on.” He pulled out a chair and sat across from me. “Okay, go.”

I laughed. This guy was a scream. “You know Lee and Lydia?”

“Lydia? You mean...?”

“Yes. She was released yesterday but couldn’t face going inside their house.”

“And who can blame her? Terrible business. That poor little kiddy.” He inhaled deeply, closing his eyes in an extended blink.

“I know. And I know I wasn’t around here then, but James was, and I understand how terrible it must have been. But she’s paid the price.”

“Six years. Six years for killing an innocent little boy? You know we tried for years to have a baby of our own. But when we couldn’t, we settled on loving and caring for all the kiddies in the area who would come in here daily. Joseph was one of those babies. That woman tore our hearts out when she did what she did.”

The atmosphere had definitely taken a chilly downwards turn.

“That’s terrible,” I said. “And I do understand.”

“I don’t think you understand at all, Geraldine.” Craig got to his feet and took the cup out of my hand. “I think you should go home to your guests.”

“No. I don’t—”

“Yes. You do. I’ll tell Erica you didn’t work out.”

“You can’t do that to me!” I was horrified. He was giving me my marching orders for being friends with Lydia!

“Oh, yes. I can. You’ll be paid for the hours you’ve worked—don’t worry.”

“You can stick your pay and your poxy job up your bony fucking arse.”

“Really!” Erica said, suddenly appearing in the doorway.

“I’m sorry, Erica. But I’m sure you know by now that you’re married to a small-minded bigot. I’m off.”

***

Nobody was home by the time they arrived at James’ house. James said Geri had gone to work, but they couldn’t find Lydia.

Too exhausted to think straight, Lee took the cup James handed him and went upstairs for a lie down.

The day, although traumatic, had worked in his favour. He couldn’t believe his luck, really. Lucas had, in a roundabout way, solved his problem. Of course he felt bad another person had lost their life, but the rest of the details he’d told the police were true. If he hadn’t killed Lucas, Lucas would have definitely killed him.

And why he should feel bad anyway was beyond him. There he was, working his arse off and preparing for his wife’s return, and those two deadbeats had set out to screw him over. Well, they misjudged that one, didn’t they? So what if they ended up dead? They made the decision to break the law, and so they had to be prepared to take the consequences. End of.

He wondered where on earth Lydia could be. He hoped he could encourage her to stay here, for now at least. Surely she could see they were best off with the support of James and Geri.

He drained the last of his tea and placed the cup on the bedside table. Then he snuggled down into the pillow, closing his eyes.

***

I stormed home with steam coming from my ears, and almost burst into tears when I saw James’ car. I opened the front door, and James appeared at the top of the stairs.

“What’re you doing home?” he asked, rubbing his eyes.

“He sacked me.” Tears poured down my face.

James ran down the stairs. “Sacked? You’ve only been there five minutes! What did you do?” He folded me into his arms, before leading me through to the kitchen.

“I told him that Lee and Lydia stayed here last night,” I sobbed.

“You told who?”

“Craig. Erica’s husband. He seemed lovely, and we were having a laugh, until I slipped up that they stayed here last night, and then he kicked me out. Just like that.”

“Aw, come here.” He kissed the top of my head.

A racket from the staircase made me realise we weren’t alone.

Lee strode into the kitchen.

“Sorry, Geri. I wasn’t eavesdropping. Well, not intentionally anyway, but I heard what you just said about Craig. I meant to warn you about him, but thought he’s probably only like that with me. Seems not.”

“If I’d known, I probably wouldn’t have taken the stupid job. I don’t want to work for a pair of narrow-minded idiots like them.”

“It’s not Erica,” Lee said. “She’s lovely. She even went to visit Lydia in prison. She didn’t tell her adorable hubby, of course.”

“Then why does she put up with him? I’d be long gone, if I was her. Anyway, how are you? You look terrible.”

“I’m okay.”

“She’s right. You don’t look it,” James said.

“Sore all over, if I’m honest. I didn’t realise how many muscles you use when fighting for your life. Where’s Lydia by the way?”

“Didn’t you tell him?” I asked James. “Didn’t he tell you?” I asked Lee, before James had the chance to answer.

“Tell me what?”

I scowled at James. “What? I only just checked my phone. He was in bed.”

“Tell me what?” Lee asked again.

“Lydia is okay. She’s in your house. It was tough at first, of course. But she’s okay and said to tell you to come home.”

“Really?”

I nodded, dabbing tears from my eyes again.

Lee’s phone rang. “Hi, detective,” he said, and walked through to the lounge.

James crept after him, listening outside the lounge door.

“James!” I hissed.

He put his finger to his lips and, with his other hand, gestured for me to keep it down. A few minutes later he trotted back to my side, pretending he hadn’t moved a muscle.

“Are you okay?” I asked, and kissed his cheek.

“Uh-huh.” He nodded.

“You seem...preoccupied.”

“It’s nothing, really. We’ll talk later.”

“So there is something?”

He laughed. “Have you ever considered a career as a cross examiner?”

Lee came back. “They’ve moved the bodies and should be finished with the cottage by tomorrow.”

“Do they know any more about what the victims were actually doing there?”

“No. The detective thinks they were probably up to no good, seeing what they could steal from me to sell. Considering the injuries on the girl, they’re pretty sure she fell. Lucas was probably too scared to report it and didn’t expect me back until the weekend.”

“I see,” James said, a puzzled expression on his face.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“Oh nothing, really. I was just wondering why they would make a bed out of cardboard if they had a perfectly good flat across the road. It doesn’t make sense.”

“Nothing about this mess makes any sense,” Lee snapped. “I’m going home. I’ll talk to you later.”

Shocked at the venom in Lee’s voice, James and I exchanged a glance before watching him grab his things and leave.

“That was odd,” I said, once the front door banged shut.

“Not for the first time today. Tell me, was the question I just asked a valid one?”

“Of course it was. I didn’t realise they lived over the road, but, like you said, it doesn’t make sense.”

“Thought not. So what’s Lee’s problem?”

“You said there’s something else. What is it?”

“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe I’m being too finicky, which often happens with the line of work I do.”

“What is it?”

“He told the detective in charge of the case that he’d left the cottage around 9am on Tuesday.”

“Strange. He didn’t get back here until late. He told us he’d been painting all day.”

“Exactly.”

“So what do you think happened?”

“I’ve not even got that far, yet.” He laughed. “Probably nothing.”

“Can I make a suggestion?”

“Fire away.”

“Maybe he did leave at 9am.”

“But...”

“Let me finish. Maybe he left at 9am because he had somewhere else to be?”

“Somewhere else? But where?”

I shrugged. “Think about it. He’s been alone for six years. That’s a long time for a red-blooded man. What if he had a girlfriend?”

“Nah! Who, Lee? Nah, I don’t buy it.”

“Just a thought.” I shrugged.

“Nah.” He shook his head again, scratching his chin. “Although...”

“What?”

“Oh, nothing. It’s nothing.”

“What isn’t?”

“The other day, when Lydia came home and Lee stormed back outside?”

“Yes?”

“Well, he was smoking.”

“And doesn’t he usually?”

“No. He said he does occasionally when he’s stressed, but that’s not the point. He lit the cigarette with a lighter. A woman’s lighter. It was pink with the letter ‘S’ on it.”

“Did you ask him about it?”

“I did, but he said he found it.”

“He probably did. A pink lighter doesn’t prove he’s having an affair.”

“You’re the one with the affair theory. I’m just telling you something that might support it.”

“Well, although I would feel bad for Lydia if he does have another woman, my theory’s more believable than yours.”

“I don’t even have a theory!”

“You do. You said he lied to the cops because he was at the cottage and killed them before he left.”

“Bullshit!” He squeezed my knee playfully, causing me to squeal and squirm.

“That’s clearly not the case. I’m in no doubt he had to fight off that guy last night, hence the bruising and cuts. I just hate discrepancies. I rely on accurate information being recorded in order for me to do my job effectively.”