Chapter 19

CHAPTER NINETEEN

PRESENT DAY

‘ C an I have everyone's attention,' Beth said, facing her team.

The clattering of keyboards stopped, and everyone turned to face her.

‘You all know by now about our local vigilante, who seems to have taken it upon himself to hand out justice. He thinks we're not doing our job properly.' She turned to Ana. ‘You took a statement from the coach driver?'

Ana opened her notebook, and Matt smiled at her keenness. ‘On Saturday 12th July, Alan Mitchell, a local man who drives the Oxford Tube coach, said there was an altercation between some skinheads and a Pakistani lad. It got nasty, and one of the lads smashed the coach's radio with a hammer when Alan tried to get help. At this point, a stranger appeared, wearing a balaclava, combat trousers, and a khaki top and held a machete to the throat of who the driver thought might be the head of the gang. Mr Mitchell said The Vigilante threatened to slit the gang leader's throat if his mate didn't drop the hammer. Unfortunately, they blacked out the coach's CCTV cameras, so we have no ID.'

‘Any CCTV of them boarding the coach?' asked Beth.

‘Seems they deliberately kept their hoods up when boarding.'

‘Did the driver describe them?' asked Luke.

‘Mr Mitchell claims he didn't see the faces of the skinheads because he had his eyes on the road. I think he's too scared to say. The lads were forced off at Lewknor, and The Vigilante got off about five minutes later after instructing Mr Mitchell to stop the coach.'

‘This so-called stranger, our vigilante, likes to leave a calling card, it seems.' Beth held up the business card. ‘All it says is ‘‘When the law fails to serve us, we must serve as the law.'' He signs off The Vigilante. His name is the only word he writes. The rest is typed. Luke, you took a call from Ludbook Grove?'

Luke walked to the front. ‘Everyone in Longbridge will be pleased to know the trail bike that has been causing problems has been smashed to pieces by none other than our vigilante. He left his calling card,' said Luke, holding it up. ‘The bike and card were found in old Jim Carter's garage in Ludbrook Grove.'

‘Thanks, Luke,' said Beth. ‘Now, we can't be sure that it's the same trail bike, but it seems likely considering no one has reported their bike missing. So we can probably assume the owner is our trail bike rider, who doesn't want to get involved with the police. So, we need to find this vigilante before he acts again.'

‘I think we should chat to Will Moulson,' suggested Matt. ‘He was keen to take the law into his own hands, as were his neighbours.'

Beth nodded, but her eyes were on the door where she could see Tom Miller speaking to the chief. The sight of him after all this time caused her hands to tremble. ‘You'd think someone on that coach would have come forward.'

‘People like to steer clear of trouble,' said Ana.

‘Ana's right,' Beth agreed. People are afraid to report thugs because they fear they will be pursued. Right, before you all go, the chief would like a word.'

Lewis entered with Tom, who gave her a nervous smile.

‘Thank you, DS Harper,' said Lewis. ‘You have probably noticed DI Stephens hasn't been in for a few days. Unfortunately, I must inform you that he has been suspended following accusations of sexual harassment.'

There were several gasps, and Beth noticed a few blushes from some of the younger females.

‘If anyone here feels DI Stephens was out of line with them, please come and see me. Meanwhile, many of you will remember DI Miller from a few months ago. He's the new DI from today, so make him welcome. That's it. Thank you, everybody.'

Quickly moving on, Beth said, ‘Right, DI Miller and I will visit Will Moulson. Ana, chase up forensics about those cards. Matt, see if any neighbours saw or heard anything at Jim Carter's. We must follow up on any social care Carter is getting too. I'll leave that with you, Luke.'

‘The young neighbour seemed to be caring for him.'

‘We still need to make social services aware. Okay, that's it, everybody. DC Wilkins, my office, please.'

Matt Wilkins closed the door behind him and asked Beth, ‘Did you know about Tom Miller? That all seems a bit out of the blue.'

‘Did you?' she asked, failing to keep the accusatory tone from her voice.

‘What do you mean?'

‘Did you tell the chief I'd been drinking?'

Matt's eyes widened in surprise, which quickly turned to anger. ‘Is that what you think of me? That I'd go behind your back? I never realised you had such a low opinion of me. Thanks a lot. Frankly, I'd have told you straight to your face.'

Beth instantly felt remorseful and touched his arm. ‘Matt, I'm sorry. I just…'

‘Yeah, well, let's forget it, shall we?' He turned, closing the door quietly behind him.

Beth exhaled. ‘Shit,' she muttered.

Ana saw Matt leave and took her chance to knock on Beth's door.

Beth took a deep breath. ‘Come in,' she called.

‘Ma'am,' said Ana. ‘It's about Vanessa Smith.'

Beth looked perplexed. ‘What about her?'

‘Would it be okay if I looked into the hit-and-run case?'

Beth raised her eyebrows. ‘Why would you want to do that? That case is closed, Ana.'

‘I won't step on anyone's toes,' said Ana quickly.

‘Do you think we missed something?'

Ana blushed. ‘No, of course not. I'm out of line, sorry.'

Ana turned to leave when Beth said, ‘Why the interest?'

Ana licked her lips. ‘I met her today, and it seemed so wrong that whoever did that is walking free.'

Beth nodded thoughtfully. ‘Just don't waste too much time on it.'

‘No, ma'am, thank you, ma'am.'

Beth busied herself with some paperwork, but she couldn't concentrate on it. From the corner of her eye, she could see the chief approaching her office with Tom. Then the door opened, and Tom was standing in front of her. A tingling swept up the back of her neck and into her face.

‘I parked in a visitor space,' he said, smiling. ‘Before you have a go at me.'

Beth felt herself relax. ‘Pleased to hear it.'

He'd gained some weight, and his hair was slightly shorter, but aside from that, he hadn't changed much at all.

‘You look well,' he said.

Beth smiled. ‘Bloody liar. Everyone's been telling me how crap I look.'

‘Maybe they can get away with it.' He grinned.

The chief said, ‘I've assigned DI Miller to Stephen's office. I'll leave it to you to update him.'

‘Fine,' said Tom.

God , Beth thought, he's better looking than I remember.

‘So, how are you really?' he asked.

‘I'm fine,' she lied. ‘A few grey hairs, but…'

He nodded, and she could tell he didn't believe her.

‘Where are you staying, Tom?'

‘Same place.'

‘Lots of memories,' she said, reflecting. ‘Still enjoying the cemetery?'

‘I like the view and the church bells.'

Beth lowered her head.

‘You saved my life,' he said quietly.

‘You were bloody ungrateful,' she said.

He laughed. ‘Good, back on form, I see. Right, fill me in.'

‘It's good to have you back,' she said quietly.

‘It's good to be back. I've missed your insults.'

Beth grinned. ‘I've missed throwing them at you.'