Under Mary's Oak

  Pauline Stokes, one of the science technicians, had a record for driving while under the influence. This was tragic because her sister had been badly injured as a result of the accident Pauline caused. Again Laura knew because Pauline had told her about it when she joined the school knowing that she would have to submit to a criminal records background check. Laura couldn’t believe that Richard would use this information to extort money, when Pauline was so full of guilt already and she was relieved when Josh told her that Richard hadn’t actually blackmailed Pauline.

  ‘And then,’ said Josh, ‘there was Mr Connolly.’

  Laura’s heart missed a beat. Arthur? Surely Richard couldn’t have been blackmailing Arthur?

  ‘Do you remember he left his laptop after the Governors’ meeting?’ Josh asked.

  Laura remembered that two weeks before Arthur had telephoned first thing the morning after the Governors’ meeting in a bit of a panic as he had mislaid his laptop. When she asked Richard if it had been left in the Board room he said that he had found it and locked it in his store for safe-keeping until he could give it to her to return.

  ‘Richard found it and brought it home that night. He asked me to see if there was anything interesting on it.’

  Laura’s heart was in her mouth as she asked, ‘And was there?’

  Again Josh hesitated. Laura could see him struggling to find the right words. After all, Arthur Connolly was the Chairman of the Governors. He was an important man. What could Josh have discovered?

  ‘There was a big file that was password protected. It took me ages to get into, but eventually I did. It was full of photos.’

  ‘Oh, yes,’ said Laura. ‘Photography is his big hobby.’

  ‘They were photos of young girls.’

  It still didn’t sink in and Laura said innocently, ‘Yes. He takes a lot of photographs in school.’

  Josh took a deep breath. ‘Mrs Jessop, I don’t think he took these photographs in school. In fact, I don’t think he took them at all.’

  From the look on Josh’s face and his obvious distress, Laura started to realise what he was trying to say.

  ‘You mean pornography?’ she asked, trying to keep the panic out of voice and not succeeding.

  ‘Yes,’ said Josh. ‘There were hundreds of them.’

  Laura swallowed hard. Her Chairman of Governors was a paedophile! In a few short days her world had suddenly expanded to include all manner of dreadful content. First Richard’s brutal murder, the discovery of his blackmailing activities, Arthur’s indiscretion of the previous day and now this! Amy had been right. This was a dream, it couldn’t all be happening. She would surely wake up soon. Please, let it be a dream.

  ‘What did you do?’ she asked weakly.

  ‘Richard was very excited. He said this was the jackpot. He told me to close it all down, and said he would take it back to school the next morning. I don’t know what he did then.’

  Josh looked much more at ease now that he had unburdened himself. Laura reassured him that she would help him as much as she could and set off back to her office. She took the long way round to try to calm her nerves.

  As she arrived back, Josie met her with a cup of coffee.

  ‘You’ve been gone a while,’ she said. ‘You look a bit distressed. Are you OK?’

  ‘Yes, I’m fine,’ Laura replied. She couldn’t share this awful news just yet. But she knew she couldn’t put off talking to the police any longer.

  ‘Amy’s been asking if she could see you,’ said Josie.

  ‘Yes, ask her to come down. And Josie, see if you can get the inspector to come in to see me.’

  When Amy arrived at Laura’s office, Laura waved to the seat opposite saying, ‘Sit down. How are you feeling this morning?’

  ‘A bit tired. I couldn’t sleep last night. There was so much going on in my head.’

  ‘Yes, I know what you mean,’ agreed Laura. ‘I’ve managed to speak to Josh this morning.’

  ‘Have you,’ said Amy excitedly. ‘What did he say?’

  ‘Well, he confirmed what we thought. He was the one who found out most of the information. The bit about Stella seems to have been the first thing Richard discovered and that was a bit of an accident, by all accounts. I think he realised he could make some money and set about trying to find other targets.’

  Laura was not going to share everything Josh had told her, and certainly not the information about Arthur although that would undoubtedly come out in the open soon enough.

  ‘Were there others?’ Amy asked.

  ‘Yes, there were. They’d been quite busy.’

  ‘So what are you going to do?’

  ‘I’ve got no choice. I shall have to tell the police now. I’ve asked Josie to see if the inspector will come in this afternoon.’

  ‘Right,’ said Amy, a little dejectedly. ‘It all seems a bit of an anti-climax. I was hoping the police would discover it was someone else who murdered Richard and we wouldn’t have to tell the police all our secrets.’

  Little do you know, thought Laura.

  ‘Well, let’s hope they will be as sensitive as they can be,’ she said.

  Laura knew she couldn’t do anything other than tell the police about Arthur. She still hoped that the inspector would find the murderer elsewhere, but she knew the school could not avoid the scandal that was about to be unleashed.

  As Amy left, Laura picked up the phone to speak to Josie.

  ‘Did you get through to the inspector?’ she asked.

  ‘No, I managed to speak to Gary, though,’ Josie replied. ‘He says it’s a bit manic there. He sounded very excited and said it might all be wrapped up very soon. Anyway, he thinks it will be tomorrow morning before the inspector can come. Will that do?’

  ‘Yes, I suppose it will have to?’ said Laura.

  She was a bit disappointed. She would have to live with the dreadful secret for a little longer, and she knew she would have another sleepless night tonight.

  ‘And Robert rang while you were with Amy,’ Josie continued. ‘He said it’s nothing urgent, but can you call him back when it’s convenient?’

  ‘Yes. Thanks,’ Laura replied.

  She dialled home.

  ‘Hello, darling. Did you want me?’ she asked when he answered.

  ‘Only to tell you I love you,’ he said, and Laura burst into tears.

  Robert had some sort of sixth sense and knew when she needed him. He often sent her a text, or even a bunch of flowers to cheer her up if he knew she would be having a bad day. But even Robert could not imagine how bad today had just become.

  ‘I don’t suppose you could call in, could you?’ she asked.

  ‘Of course,’ he said. ‘I’m on my way.’

  Just like that. He dropped everything and arrived twenty minutes later. Having checked with Josie that Laura did not have anyone with her, he walked in and enveloped her in his arms. For a few minutes nothing was said, and Laura relaxed into his embrace. She knew she would survive this horrible time, because she had him, her rock.

  Eventually she said, ‘It’s so awful, so shocking!’ and proceeded to tell Robert what Josh had revealed.

  ‘Oh, that is bad,’ agreed Robert.

  ‘You don’t seem very shocked,’ Laura said.

  ‘No, I am. It’s just that I always wondered why Arthur spent so much time here,’ said Robert.

  ‘Well, yes,’ agreed Laura. ‘But I told you about Jenny and how much she thought she owed the school.’

  ‘Yes,’ said Robert. ‘And I wouldn’t have thought anything of Jenny being a Governor. But Arthur is one step removed.’

  ‘Yes, but he’s the business man, and he knew he could use his influence to help the school,’ said Laura.

  ‘I suppose so,’ agreed Robert. ‘But they always say paedophiles can be the least expected members of society.’

  When Robert had gone, Laura went online and typed ‘paedophile characteristi
cs’ into her search engine. She discovered that paedophiles are often, but not exclusively, male. They are usually single and if married there are no sexual relations. They put themselves in a position to be with children, often volunteering to do volunteer work. Paedophiles are popular with both children and adults, appearing to be trustworthy. They are often well-respected within the community. Not all paedophiles physically abuse children, for some looking is enough, sometimes sharing images over the internet. And paedophiles often realise their activities are criminal and operate in secrecy.

  Laura realised how difficult it was to recognise a paedophile, and how many must never be discovered, managing to keep their activities in check. Certainly what she read could apply to Arthur, but equally it could apply to many other people she knew and they weren’t all paedophiles.

  Laura felt sorry for Arthur, and especially for Jenny. Maybe they had a platonic relationship but she was sure they loved each other. This would be such a blow for her.

  Chapter Twenty Six

  Andy Logan was in the interview room awaiting DI Jenkins. The operation had gone without a hitch. Logan had just been leaving his club, Sparkle, when Jenkins and Todd arrived. They told him they wanted to talk to him about the murder of Richard Hart, and surprisingly he readily agreed to accompany them to the station. He had, of course, requested his solicitor and Jonathan Darby of Darby, Swinton & Sons had turned up ten minutes ago.

  In the meantime search warrants had been executed on Sparkle, The Crazy Lady and Dazzle and officers were swarming all over them in an attempt to find incriminating evidence. The magistrate had been a bit sceptical about The Crazy Lady, but was persuaded that its owner was connected to Logan who could certainly be linked to one murder and possibly two others, and eventually issued the warrant. The warrant for the car had not yet been used, as it related specifically to Jason Burton.

  Logan displayed no anxiety at all. The police had tried to make a case against him before and failed. He was not worried. Tony Banks had warned him the police were trying to make a link because of a loan he’d given to Hart, but if that’s all they had he’d be out of here in no time. Of course, had Logan known about the extent of the operation he might have been a little more worried. He’d arrived at the station before the search warrants were executed.

  Jenkins was keen to tie Logan to Richard Hart’s murder. That, after all, was the case he was trying to solve. The fact that he had stumbled across Jason Burton’s killer was a bonus, and one he would fully exploit. But he wasn’t going to tell Logan that just yet. And if he could uncover a diamond smuggling operation and tie in Harry Westbury’s murder somehow he would be a very happy man. But he had to get to the bottom of Hart’s murder.

  ‘Come on, Todd,’ he said. ‘Let’s make a start.’

  The two police officers walked towards the interview room. Jenkins was aware this could be make or break for him.

  ‘Good afternoon, Mr Logan,’ he said. He nodded towards the solicitor and added. ‘Good afternoon, Mr Darby.’

  ‘Inspector, my client strongly rejects the suggestion that he had any involvement in the murder of Richard Hart. He wishes to make it perfectly clear that he is here voluntarily in an effort to help you with your enquiries,’ said Jonathan Darby pompously.

  ‘That is understood, Mr Darby. Shall we begin?’

  Jonathan Darby inclined his head to signify assent, and Jenkins opened the file in front of him.

  ‘So, Mr Logan,’ he began. ‘Were you acquainted with Richard Hart?’

  ‘I don’t recollect the name.’

  ‘Our information suggests that you loaned him money.’

  ‘As I said, I don’t recollect the name.’

  ‘Are you acquainted with The Crazy Lady Casino?’

  ‘I have heard of it.’

  ‘Have you ever been there?’

  ‘I might have been once or twice.’

  Jonathan Darby whispered in Logan’s ear. The inspector looked enquiringly at the pair, but nothing was forthcoming. He continued.

  ‘Do you know who owns The Crazy Lady?’

  ‘I’m not sure how this is relevant,’ said Logan.

  ‘Mr Hart was a regular visitor to The Crazy Lady,’ replied Jenkins.

  ‘Even so,’ replied Logan.

  ‘It’s a simple enough question,’ Jenkins said reminding himself to keep calm.

  ‘Then I’m sure you’ve done your homework, inspector,’ and Logan smiled. ‘My sister Eileen owns The Crazy Lady.’

  ‘Do you know a man called Harry Westbury?’

  Jenkins looked closely at Logan. Was there the merest suggestion of a nervous tic? Jenkins had often marvelled at the TV programmes where suspects who lied were identified with ease because of their body language. He knew people did give themselves away if they were nervous, but this was Andy Logan, a man who had avoided being captured for at least ten years and who was well practised in the art of lying.

  ‘I don’t recollect the name.’

  ‘He was found murdered a few hundred yards from The Crazy Lady.’

  Again a whispered conversation between Darby and Logan interrupted the interview.

  ‘I’m sorry to hear that,’ Logan replied eventually.

  ‘Mr Westbury was a regular visitor to The Crazy Lady,’ said the inspector.

  ‘I’m sure there are a lot of people who regularly visit The Crazy Lady. My sister runs a very successful business there.’

  ‘Have you visited Amsterdam recently?’

  The solicitor could hold himself in check no longer.

  ‘Inspector, how is this relevant to the death of this Richard Hart?’

  ‘It’s a simple enough question,’ replied the inspector, ‘but if Mr Logan does not want to answer then it doesn’t matter.’

  ‘I don’t see why you want to know,’ said Logan, ‘but I have nothing to hide. Yes, I go to Amsterdam quite regularly as I’m sure you already know.’

  In fact, Jenkins hadn’t got as far as checking that piece of information but it was useful to know.

  ‘Where were you last Friday evening?’ asked Jenkins.

  ‘I was in my club in Tynemouth,’ said Logan. ‘I’m sure there are plenty of people who will vouch for me.’

  ‘What time did you arrive?’

  ‘About 9pm.’

  ‘And before that?’

  ‘I was at home.’

  ‘Alone?’

  ‘Yes. My driver picked me up just before 8.30.’

  Logan lived in a large house in Gosforth, only a couple of miles from the Mary Montgomery High School. He could still have killed Hart before going to the club. Or he could have arranged for someone else to kill him.

  Jenkins knew he was not going to get anywhere without the leverage of the film of Burton’s murder. It was time for the next stage.

  ‘Well, Mr Logan. Thank you for your time. That will be all for now.’

  Andy Logan smiled the smile of victory. He knew they couldn’t pin it on him. He stood and buttoned his jacket.

  ‘Always pleased to help,’ he said, and turned to leave the room followed by Jonathan Darby.

  Jenkins turned to Todd, and smiled.

  ‘Todd, do the honours please.’

  Todd followed the two men out of the interview room catching up with them as they approached the stairs at the end of the corridor.

  ‘Mr Logan,’ he called.

  The two men stopped and Todd approached with a uniformed officer who had been waiting outside.

  ‘Mr Logan, I’m arresting you for the murder of Jason Burton. You do not have to say anything. But it may harm your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence.’

  Jenkins, standing a few yards behind, was rewarded by a look of shock on Logan’s face.

  Chapter Twenty Seven

  Detective Inspector James Richardson from North Tyneside HQ at Wallsend was waiting in the inciden
t room. He was the SIO for the Jason Burton case and Dave Jenkins had contacted him earlier. They had agreed that Jenkins should take the credit for Logan’s arrest, but it was still Richardson’s case.

  ‘Todd’s just taken him to be processed downstairs,’ said Jenkins with a wide grin on his face.

  There were big smiles on the faces of Jenkins’ team, and Sally Walker and John Nugent exchanged a high-five.

  ‘So are you buying the drinks tonight, guv?’ asked Sally.

  ‘It’s a bit early for that, Walker. We still haven’t tied him in to the Hart murder, but hopefully when he realises what we’ve got on him, he’ll cough the rest as well.’

  ‘Are you coming in with me?’ asked Richardson, generously.

  ‘Well, yes,’ said Jenkins eagerly. ‘That’ll be great. Let’s grab a bite to eat. He’s not going anywhere for a while, and it’ll give us time to see if anything’s been turned up. We’ve got a search warrant for the car as well. If the murder weapon was put in the boot there might be enough for forensics to work on, especially if they weren’t expecting to be collared.’

  An hour later, suitably fed and watered, Richardson and Jenkins entered the interview room. Logan was already seated behind the desk, looking slightly less sure of himself. Instead of looking composed in his expensive Armani suit with silk shirt and matching tie, he was in shirt sleeves and his tie had been removed by the custody sergeant. Jonathan Darby sat alongside him and had taken the trouble to open a file in which he had already made notes.