Riot Read online

  “Well I’m relieved to hear it,” he smiled, thinking how that letter had worked wonders. Rachel’s eyes were so dark they naturally looked black but since Battler’s death they’d looked even darker, testament to the pain she’d been carrying around. Now they weren’t as turbulent.

  “There was something else she said would help,” said Rachel.

  “And what was that?”

  He was knocked onto his back by her leaping on top of him, pressing her lips to his while pulling up his t-shirt.

  “Sex,” she grinned.

  “I think she must be the best therapist in the world,” he breathed as Rachel’s lips caressed his bare chest.

  CHAPTER 13

  It seemed forensics had learnt from the last telling off Dwyer had given them because they had the results of the DNA on Estelle Law’s body back to him in double-quick time. Now he was staring at the results on his computer screen with his mouth hanging open, unable to believe his luck.

  “It’s Jez Law’s DNA,” he murmured to himself. He’d already read the report through five times just to make sure he hadn’t made a mistake. But there it was in black and white - a ninety nine point nine percent match to Jez Law’s DNA, which they’d already had on the database thanks to an arrest six years ago for assault, which he’d easily wormed his way out of.

  The question was, how did he play it without word getting back to Jez or his family? He still didn’t trust his team one hundred percent, although he thought he’d forced all their spies to transfer out of his unit. Fortunately he had a chief superintendent on his side. After calling Leonidas to double-check something he practically leapt out of his chair and yanked open his office door.

  “I’m going out for lunch,” he told DS Miller before stomping out.

  “Piss off Hitler,” she muttered when he’d gone.

  For once she was the only one in the office, the others having buggered off for lunch too. She knew Dwyer was up to something, she’d seen him staring at his computer screen, mesmerised. What she wouldn’t give to know what he’d been looking at. Sadly she knew there was no chance of accessing his computer, she’d tried it before. But she had heard whispers that he’d been ragging the lab techs. Maybe he’d got some more results he’d been waiting for? It might not be anything to do with the Laws and Maguires but chances were it was, he was so obsessed with them. Fortunately one of the techs had a massive crush on her. She’d always told him where to go because he was a hideous little Gollum-like creature but she thought perhaps now was the time to take him up on his offer of dinner.

  “I’ve got it Sir,” said Dwyer who’d bypassed the canteen for the Chief Superintendent’s office. “The evidence to finally nail Jez Law.”

  “Really?” replied Colin from behind his grand oak desk, a startling contrast to Dwyer’s sagging plywood one.

  “ Yes Sir. His DNA has been found on Estelle Law’s clothing. It looks like he grabbed her by the front of the shirt.”

  “It’s still not proof he killed her.”

  “Maybe not but it makes him out to be a liar. He told Leonidas he hadn’t seen her in three and a half years but his DNA’s on her clothes from eight months ago, at the time she died.”

  Colin’s eyes sparkled. “By God you’ve got him Dwyer. Who else knows about this?”

  “Just one of the lab techs who performed the test but I’ve sworn him to secrecy.”

  “Can he be trusted?”

  “The man’s a complete jobsworth and very reliable. I’m confident he’s not in that family’s pay. None of my officers even know about this sample as it came from Liverpool.”

  “Keep it that way.”

  “I want to organise a team to arrest Jez and Mikey simultaneously but I don’t want them to know until the last minute, so no one can warn them.”

  “I can arrange that. You need to find out where they are in advance. If you turn up at their homes and they’re not there then they will be forewarned.”

  “I know from my investigations into their activities that Mikey and Jules and the kids go to Jez’s house for dinner every Sunday. They’ll both be together, so it’s perfect. I want officers from the Tactical Firearms Unit with me. Estelle was shot to death so it’s justified.”

  “I wish I could be there to see the slippery bastards’ faces when the TFU bursts in on them,” smiled Colin.

  “I’ll let the rest of The Coalition know, they’ll need to be on standby.” Dwyer felt almost shaky. Finally his moment had come.

  After Dwyer had gone, Colin headed straight to the ACC’s office. His knock on the door which proudly sported the nameplate Assistant Chief Constable Falmouth was answered by a snooty, “Enter.”

  Colin loathed this public schoolboy who had worked his way up the ladder not by good police work but by knowing the right people, kissing arse and being a part of the funny handshake club. Such people never inspired loyalty in their officers, only scorn.

  “Hello Colin,” he smiled with patronising bonhomie. “Please, take a seat.”

  He did as bid, the gleam off the mahogany desk in the sunlight streaming through the window making him wince.

  “So,” said the ACC. “How can I help?”

  “DCI Dwyer came to me Sir,” replied Colin. “He’s finally got enough evidence to charge both Mikey Maguire and Jez Law with conspiracy to murder Amber Maguire and Jez Law with the murder of his mother, Estelle.”

  The anxiety that briefly flickered through the ACC’s eyes told Colin his instincts had been right. He was in that family’s pocket.

  “And what evidence does he have?”

  When Colin had finished explaining, the ACC merely smiled, clearly relieved. “That is some excellent work but it’s certainly not enough to charge anyone.”

  “Which is why we need your approval Sir.”

  “Why on earth would I approve this? Their solicitors would tear the case apart in court.”

  “You don’t need to concern yourself with that Sir, we have everything in hand. We just need your backing. The Chief Constable’s still on holiday and the deputy is off sick, so it’s all on you.”

  “I understand your eagerness to prosecute them Colin and that is to your credit but I won’t have this force being turned into a laughing stock. It will be flung out of court, making us all look ridiculous.”

  “We have three very compelling witnesses.”

  “Yes you’ve already told me about them - the victim’s mother, the ex-lover with an axe to grind and a known bank robber who has come forward with this information to save his own skin. It’s hardly an iron-clad case Colin.”

  “Mikey and Jez’s own reputations will seal the deal. Anyone put on a jury already knows what they’re into thanks to all the media coverage they’ve been exposed to over the years. If we get them inside a courtroom we will get a conviction.”

  “I highly doubt it but this is an excellent start. Tell Dwyer to keep up the good work.”

  “Sir…”

  “You can leave now Colin,” he said before turning his attention back to his paperwork.

  “We have a real chance to finally stop this family and you’re going to let it pass us by?”

  “This isn’t a case Colin and you know it. It seems Dwyer’s zeal is rubbing off on you. Perhaps his promotion was a mistake? The last thing we need is another embarrassment like DCI Taylor.”

  “DCI Taylor who was working for the Maguires and Laws.”

  “Precisely.”

  “Just like you are.”

  Falmouth went rigid. “I beg your pardon?”

  “I know you’re working for them Sir, which is why you won’t sign off on this evidence.”

  “I won’t sign off on it because, as far as evidence goes, it’s pathetic.”

  “No it’s not. You know it’s enough to convince a jury, despite how circumstantial it is.”

  “Chief Superintendent Holloway you are completely out of order.”

  “You’re the one who’s out of order Neil,” he reto
rted. “And I will not let you stand in the way of this.”

  “You know Colin, you’re looking tired. I think it’s time you took a nice long holiday, if you wish to retain your position.”

  “I don’t think so, not unless you want everyone to find out about your little drink driving incident.”

  Falmouth paled even more. “I’ve no idea what you’re talking about.”

  “You mean you’ve forgotten Sir? Well allow me to refresh your memory. You were driving way over the legal limit when you ran someone over. Fortunately they survived, although you did break both their legs. I was working the night shift when it happened and you asked me to smooth things over, which I did. Only the two of us know you were responsible but that may change if you don’t sign off on this evidence.”

  “You’re blackmailing me?” he exclaimed.

  “I suppose I am,” he smiled.

  “You’re finished, do you know that Colin?”

  “If I go down I’ll take you with me, I promise you that.”

  All the fight drained out of Falmouth and he flopped back in his chair, feeling like he was caught between a rock and a hard place.

  “So you’ll do it Sir?”

  He nodded, looking pale and unwell.

  “Thank you,” he smiled before getting to his feet. He’d waited a long time to bring this arsehole down a peg or two. “Perhaps you’re the one who should take a holiday Sir, you don’t look very well.”

  “You might just be right,” he murmured as Colin strolled out in triumph.

  Jez opened the door to Jules, Mikey and the boys, his jaw set, eyes hooded, the sound of wailing filling the air.

  “Is that George?” said Jules.

  “Yes. He’s been crying non-stop all morning and nothing we do can stop him.”

  “Because he’s missing his Aunty Jules,” she said, striding inside, peeling off her leather jacket and tossing it to her brother, who made no move to catch it. The jacket hit him in the chest and slid to the floor.

  “Alright mate?” said Mikey, eyes full of sympathy.

  “No. I think my ear drums have burst,” he said tersely.

  Jules walked into the lounge where Cathy was pacing back and forth, George wailing and writhing in her arms, his face bright red and tear-stained.

  “Come here baby boy,” said Jules, taking him from her, Cathy breathing a sigh of relief. “Now what’s all this noise?”

  As she cuddled him the boy’s cries tailed off before going silent altogether.

  “Oh thank you Jules,” said Cathy. “I don’t know how you do it.”

  “It’s all in the walk,” she said, strutting about with the boy, holding one of his hands and spinning, as though they were dancing, making him giggle.

  “Right that’s it sis,” said Jez. “You’re not leaving this house ever again.”

  As Cathy watched her son gazing up at his aunt with adoration in his large grey eyes she thought it so sad Jules couldn’t have any more children of her own after being stabbed in the stomach. She was a natural mother and kids loved her.

  “Right,” said Cathy. “Now George is quiet I can finally finish making dinner.” She hesitated by Mikey and Jez when they both smiled at her. “What?” she smiled back.

  “Nothing,” replied Mikey.

  “Hmmm, you two look shifty.”

  “We always do,” replied Jez. “Goes with the job.”

  She grinned and kissed his cheek before exiting the room

  “Beth and Riley not here yet?” said Mikey.

  “They called to cancel,” replied Jez. “Beth’s knackered with the pregnancy and Riley’s not feeling very well.”

  “Shame. At least we won’t have Archie here though, creeping everyone out. I’ve a feeling that situation is only going to get worse.”

  “I agree. By the way, don’t mention us getting nicked in front of Cathy, will you? It freaked her out a bit. I just want her to relax and chill a bit today.”

  “Course I won’t mate.”

  There was a knock at the door.

  “Jez, get that will you babe?” Cathy called from the kitchen.

  “You expecting someone else?” said Mikey.

  “No. Maybe Beth and Riley changed their minds?”

  “If they did I hope they haven’t brought Archie.”

  Jez strolled towards the front door, quickening his pace when the knock turned into a loud hammering.

  “What the hell?” he said, opening the door. “Oh God, not you again.”

  Dwyer stood on his doorstep flanked by glowering armed officers in full Kevlar brandishing Heckler and Kochs. Triumphantly he thrust a piece of paper in his face. “We have a search warrant for this property.”

  Jez’s stomach dropped. “Impossible.”

  “You’re not untouchable Mr Law, despite what you think. I also have a second warrant here for your arrest.”

  “On what charge?”

  “Conspiracy to murder Amber Maguire and for the murder of Estelle Law.”

  Rather than display the panic Dwyer had so desperately envisioned, Jez just rolled his eyes. “You do know I’ll be released again in a few hours. You’re wasting your time Dwyer. Oy,” he yelled when two officers attempted to enter the house. “You’re not coming in here.”

  “Don’t make this difficult Mr Law.”

  “Fuck off,” roared Jez, shoving one of the officers in the chest, knocking him into his colleague.

  “Nick him,” Dwyer told his other officers.

  Jez found himself overpowered when four officers working together wrenched his arms up his back and forced him to his knees, cuffing his hands behind him.

  Dwyer smiled when Mikey and Jules dashed into the hallway. “Get off him you bastards,” yelled Jules, attempting to hurl herself at the police officers.

  Mikey wrapped his arms around her, pulling her back. “Do you want to get arrested too?” he told her.

  “I’d listen to him if I were you Venom,” Dwyer told her. “Do you want to leave those two little boys all alone now their mum’s gone and their dad and uncle are locked up?”

  Jules stopped struggling and looked at Mikey, who appeared resigned to what was about to happen.

  “I have here a warrant for your arrest too Mr Maguire,” said Dwyer.

  “On what charge?” demanded Jules.

  “Conspiracy to murder Amber Maguire.”

  “Christ not this again,” said Mikey. “You’re going to make a monumental tit of yourself Dwyer.”

  “Things change Mr Maguire. Now hands behind your back.”

  “Cathy,” yelled Jez when he heard her squeal from the back of the house, struggling against the officers holding him. “Jules.”

  “On it,” she said, pelting deeper into the house before anyone could stop her.

  She found Cathy in the kitchen squaring up to three large police officers who had entered through the back door.

  “Get the hell out of my house,” Cathy yelled at them, waving a frying pan around in the air.

  “It’s okay,” said Jules, snatching the pan from her before she could bash one of them with it. “They’re police, they have a search warrant.”

  “Why?” she demanded, pink-faced and furious.

  “Because your husband’s a murderer,” retorted one of the officers, thrusting the warrant in her face.

  She snatched it off him, ripped it in half and threw the pieces back in his face. “You know nothing about him you total arsehole. Jules, stop them.”

  Gently Jules took her by the shoulders and steered her out of the kitchen. “There’s nothing we can do. Best leave them to it.”

  “Oy, there’s no need to chuck things everywhere,” cried Cathy when they started dragging pans out of the kitchen cupboards and dumping them on the floor. “Kids live here and you will leave it in a decent state or so help me God. Do you not have children and wives? How would you like it if someone barged in and started treating your home like this?”

  Her chiding motherly to
ne had the desired effect and the officers continued their search more gently.

  “Go back inside,” Jules urged the children, who had exited the lounge to see what the commotion was, watching with pale, scared faces. She was relieved when they obeyed, Jules closing the door behind them. George had started to wail again but he would have to wait for the moment.

  “Jez,” cried Cathy when she saw him being hauled out the door. “Wait,” she told the officers, running through the front door followed by Jules but their husbands were already being bundled into the back of a police car. They were forced to watch as the men were driven away, both of them looking out of the rear window at them. All the neighbours were watching from either their windows or doors but they paid them no attention.

  Dwyer strolled up to the two women still standing in the middle of the street and thrust a piece of paper under Jules’s nose. “Search warrant for your house too. I’ve already sent a team there.”

  “You won’t find anything.” A chill ran down her spine at the look in his eyes.

  “It doesn’t really matter if I don’t,” he said before strolling over to his car and climbing in.

  “Come on,” said Jules, wrapping an arm around Cathy. “Let’s check into a posh hotel for the night. That shower won’t let us go home for a good few hours anyway. You can come back in the morning.”

  “Don’t worry about me. Get the others and sort this out. You can leave the boys with me.”

  “I will once I know you’re going to be okay.”

  “I’ll be fine. I’m not a child.”

  “I know that but you’re shaking and your hands are bleeding.”

  Cathy looked down at her hands and was shocked to realise that she’d dug her nails so hard into her palms she’d drawn blood. “Oh God,” she sighed.

  “Go and pack a bag, grab the kids and let’s get out of here. Then I can work on getting Mikey and Jez sprung.”

  “What if that lot in there won’t let me pack a bag?”

  “I’m sure they’re not strong enough to stop you,” said Jules with a knowing smile.