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  Cathy nodded and determinedly strode back into her house.

  “Getting a good eyeful,” Jules yelled at one of the neighbours, who hurried back inside, head bowed.

  CHAPTER 14

  After dropping Cathy and all the kids off at one of Beth’s hotels, Jules drove over to The Manor where Mark and Carter awaited. Shane was present, having driven from Liverpool. With Mikey and Jez in custody it was up to her to lead.

  “Thanks for coming so quickly lads,” she said, taking a seat at the head of the table. “I’ve sent the solicitors to the station. Now we have to wait and see what happens.”

  “They’ll be out again soon enough,” said Shane. “Like last time.”

  “I’m not so sure. You didn’t see the look in Dwyer’s eye. That bastard has something up his sleeve and until we know what it is we can’t act.”

  “Why weren’t we warned about this?” said Mark.

  “Dwyer’s finally plugged the leak,” said Jules. “I’m working on getting someone on his team on our side but as yet I’m not sure whether they’ll come through, so leave that with me. Our priorities are getting rid of these witnesses - namely Ray McGinnis and the fucking traitor Declan but we need to do it in a way where murder might be suspected but can’t be proved, which is where my hot shots come in.”

  “Don’t take everything on yourself Jules,” said Mark. “Let us help.”

  “I am. You need to find out where Dwyer’s stashed the pair of treacherous bastards.”

  “Declan’s probably still in Ireland, if he’s smart,” said Shane.

  “But he isn’t. He might be relying on Dwyer to protect him,” replied Jules.

  “And Mikey doesn’t have a problem finishing him?” said Mark.

  “No. This is about survival.”

  “I know McGinnis,” said Carter in his usual drawl. “He used to pal around with my dad in their younger days. I’m really surprised he grassed, some intense pressure must have been put on him.”

  “His arse collapsing might be due to the fact that he’s looking at some serious time inside,” said Jules. “As well as the crew he fucked over wanting revenge when he’s sent down. He must have got an immunity deal. Dwyer would be willing to let his conviction slide if it brings us down. Without McGinnis and Declan he’s got sod all.”

  “We hope,” said Mark.

  “This is fucking ridiculous,” sighed Jez. “You’ve no new proof. You brought me back in on the same shitty evidence.”

  “And now you’ve given us everything we need for the harassment complaint,” said Shelley. She got to her feet and picked up her briefcase. “We’re leaving now. Don’t get comfortable in the DCI’s job. You’re not fit for it, as I will prove.”

  “You’re going nowhere,” said Dwyer, swiping at the iPad before him, bringing up something on the screen. “I have here the result of a DNA test on Estelle Law’s body. Well, her clothing to be more precise and it shows a perfect match with your DNA Mr Law.”

  “Bollocks.”

  “You wish it was, I’m sure. The sample was taken from the front of the shirt Estelle was wearing. It looked as though she’d been grabbed.”

  Jez was rocked by a memory of being so wound up by his mother begging for her life that he’d grabbed her by the front of the shirt and pulled her towards him. Dwyer caught the anxiety that briefly flickered through his eyes before the shutters slammed back down again on his emotions.

  Dwyer smiled. “You look worried Mr Law.”

  “Well I’m not. As usual you’ve come up with some fantasy.”

  “You told DI Leonidas that you hadn’t seen your mother in over three years, ever since your sister’s first wedding. So how is your DNA on clothing she was wearing when she was killed eight months ago?”

  “Simple. You put it there. You’re always fitting people up, it’s why your superiors think you’re a good copper. How many innocent people are serving time behind bars because of your corruption DCI Dwyer?”

  “Stop attempting to evade the question and answer it. If there’s some perfectly reasonable explanation as to how your DNA got on her clothing I’m very willing to hear it.”

  He leaned back in his chair and smiled as he watched Jez Law desperately trying to come up with a lie to fit the evidence.

  “I’d like to confer with my client,” said Shelley, whose eyes were flashing wildly. Dwyer thought there was something of the sociopath about her. He was quite certain that if she hadn’t become a solicitor she would have made an excellent criminal, although in his opinion there was a very fine line dividing the two.

  “I bet you would,” said Dwyer, getting to his feet. “I wouldn’t take too long though. Your client has an appointment with the magistrate’s court.”

  While Jez pissed his pants in one interview room, Dwyer headed into the second to interview Mikey. Searches of both their homes were still ongoing but so far neither had revealed anything of interest, apart from an enormous bag of exotic adult toys in a wardrobe at Mikey’s house, which was the subject of no end of jokes from the search team. Mikey and Jez would be stupid not to keep their houses clean and neither were stupid men. Colin had warned him specifically not to plant anything. He’d been rather put out that his superior officer believed the rumours, or perhaps he thought he was willing to do anything to get a conviction. Despite how tempted he was, he’d listened to his sage advice as the evidence they had alone would be enough to get a conviction. Why bother conjuring fake evidence that one of their vicious lawyers would be able to pull apart thereby weakening the entire case?

  “DCI Dwyer,” said Rupert. “You’ve dragged my client back in here again, as well as subjecting him to the trauma of another arrest and his home being searched. Your career’s finished. By the time we’re through with you, you won’t be allowed anywhere near a police station.”

  “I wouldn’t be so sure about that. I’ve spoken to the CPS. They’ve agreed that the evidence is strong enough to formally charge your client.”

  “What fool decided that?”

  “Now now, let’s not resort to name-calling,” he replied while inwardly thanking Peter for that one. Already The Coalition mark two was proving its worth.

  Mikey slammed both fists down on the table and shot to his feet. “I didn’t kill her you fucking moron. I hadn’t even thought about her in months. She was nothing to me.”

  “Save it for the court, which you will be in tomorrow morning.”

  “This is outrageous,” said Rupert. “You can’t lock my client up on rumour and hearsay.”

  “The CPS agrees the evidence threshold has been reached,” replied Dwyer, unable to repress his smirk. “If you’ve got a problem you can take it up in court.”

  “I will DCI Dwyer, make no mistake about that. In the meantime I’ll be pressing my client’s harassment complaint.”

  “You do that if it makes you feel better.” Dwyer looked to Mikey, who was still on his feet, looking furious. “Mikey Maguire, I am formally charging you with conspiracy to murder Amber Maguire…”

  Mikey sank back in his seat as Dwyer continued to witter on. Fucking hell, this was serious.

  “Well Mr Law,” said Dwyer, returning to Jez’s interview room. “Have you come up with a way of explaining how your DNA got on your dead mother’s shirt?”

  “Cross contamination,” said Shelley.

  “From what? If she’d been found on his living room floor that might be one possible explanation but she was found in a deep hole in some woodland in Liverpool, somewhere your client claims he never went near. This DNA puts him with Estelle on the day she died. We’ve found no evidence of anyone else there. So sorry, but the cross contamination theory explains nothing.” He looked back at Jez. “You want to try again?”

  “I’ve advised my client to say nothing,” said Shelley, green eyes flashing at being outmanoeuvred.

  “Probably a good idea if that’s the best excuse he can come up with. Your business partner has been formally charged with conspira
cy to murder Amber Maguire and is enjoying the hospitality of our cells. Now it’s your turn.”

  Jez sighed and shook his head. What the fuck had he done?

  Jules hung up the phone and kicked over a bin. “Fuck,” she yelled.

  “What’s happened?” said Mark.

  “Dwyer’s only gone and charged them both. They’ve been locked up until they can be transferred to the magistrate’s court in the morning.”

  “This is bollocks,” said Shane.

  “There’s nothing to worry about,” drawled Carter. “They’ll be given bail in the morning then we can concentrate on getting this shite dropped. The judge will kick the flimsy evidence right out of court.”

  “He’s right,” said Mark. “No worries.”

  “Yeah,” said Jules, shoving aside the nagging worry. “No worries.”

  Jules left The Manor, headed over to the police station and demanded to see Mikey and Jez. The desk sergeant immediately called Dwyer down to reception when confronted by Jules Maguire in full-on Venom mode.

  “What have you done with them you tosser?” she demanded of Dwyer when he eventually strolled into reception.

  “My job,” he retorted flatly.

  “I want to see them.”

  “This isn’t Claridges, we don’t allow our prisoners visitors unless they’re legal representation. Are you a solicitor?”

  “No,” she glowered.

  “Then there’s nothing I can do,” he said with infuriating smugness. “You’ll have to wait until the morning when you can see them in court.”

  “You’re a sad, desperate little man, aren’t you?” she hissed. “Just say you’re successful in getting them sent down, which you won’t be. Say a miracle happens and you take me down too and smash our businesses. What then? We’re your entire life, your reason for being. Without us you don’t have a life.” She flashed him her trademark vicious Venom smile. “How pathetic.” Dwyer glared at her with impotent fury, which only increased her grin. “Have you finished tearing our homes apart in your wretched little search?”

  Two sets of keys were dumped in her hand.

  “If just one thing is broken,” she said. “I’ll sue the arse off you. And I don’t mean the police force, I mean just you Dwyer. I’ll take everything you have, which won’t be much. Pocket change to us.”

  “You’re an arrogant bitch. I’ll have you in cuffs too soon enough.”

  “Oh DCI Dwyer,” she purred, being purposefully loud. “That will only turn me on.”

  Dwyer, never quick at coming out with retorts, glared at her. “I can guarantee Venom that you won’t be smiling for much longer.”

  “You want Venom Inspector, you’ve got her. And I’ll make sure you regret it.” With that she sashayed to the door. “See you around sad man,” she called.

  Dwyer whipped round when there was a snigger from behind him to find the desk sergeant with his nose buried in his paperwork and his shoulders shaking with repressed mirth. With a grunt of annoyance Dwyer strode past him back to his office.

  Despite her sparring match with Dwyer, Jules felt down. She couldn’t believe Mikey and Jez were going to make it as far as a magistrate’s court. It was ridiculous. None of their family had been in prison since Rachel had been arrested and remanded into prison by Superintendent Benton, Dwyer’s brother, so it was hard to believe it was happening now.

  Mark, Shane and Carter were waiting for her back at The Manor.

  “They’ve been charged and Dwyer’s holding them at the station until the court opens tomorrow,” she announced.

  “Jesus,” said Mark. “Can’t we get onto our contact to get them out?”

  “I’ve been trying but the ACC’s not picking up, the snivelling little git.”

  “Perhaps a visit in person would be in order?”

  “Let’s see how it plays out tomorrow. I don’t think there’s anything to worry about, I can’t see any sane judge committing the case to a crown court based on the circumstantial crap Dwyer has.” Jules put all the confidence she had into that statement and the others nodded in agreement but she failed to feel it herself. She had the horrible feeling Dwyer knew something she didn’t.

  “Ashley,” smiled Rachel, letting him into the house. “This is a nice surprise. Would you like a brew?”

  “Hello Rachel and no thanks. I’m afraid I come on official business.”

  “Not Harry Nelson?” she said, lowering her voice, conscious of the children in the house.

  “No, nothing like that. He stuck to your mugging story. Is Ethan here?”

  “Yes. Is this to do with the incident at school?”

  “It is. Hello Ryan,” he said when he sauntered into the room.

  “I’ll fetch Ethan,” said Rachel before vanishing upstairs.

  “So what’s this about then?” said Ryan. “Are you needing a statement to put that budding pervert under lock and key?”

  “I’ll wait until Rachel returns with Ethan. I don’t want to go through this more than once.”

  Ryan raised an eyebrow but said no more.

  Rachel returned with Ethan and they all remained standing, sensing the tension radiating off the police officer.

  “Hello Ethan,” said Ashley with a tight smile. “Could you tell me what happened at school with regards to the assault on Isabella Adams?”

  Ethan casually recited the story he’d given in the headmistress’s office. When he’d finished he puffed up with pride at the praise he was expecting to have heaped on him by the police officer. But rather than be told how heroic he was, Ashley merely looked grave.

  “I’m afraid Isabella’s changed her story,” said Ashley. “She says you were the one who assaulted her and Freddie Garrick was defending her.”

  Rachel watched her son closely and saw the hurt in his eyes, as well as the shock. Her boy was telling the truth.

  “What’s brought this on?” said Rachel. “She seemed very certain in the headmistress’s office.”

  “Apparently Isabella was intimidated by your presence Rachel.”

  “Me? I was nice to her, unlike Mrs Johnson. And Freddie’s gran was there too.”

  “I’m very sorry but that’s what her parents are saying.”

  “And what’s Isabella herself saying?”

  “I’ve not spoken to her directly. I’m organising for a female police officer with specialist training in dealing with vulnerable child witnesses to speak to her. We’ll get to the truth.”

  “I didn’t hurt her,” said Ethan passionately. “I wouldn’t do anything like that. Freddie’s a bloody pervert.”

  Rachel decided to let her son’s use of a swear word slide. If any situation called for it, this did.

  “Can any of you explain why she’d suddenly change her story?” said Ashley.

  “You said this came from Isabella’s parents, not Isabella herself,” said Ryan. “Is there any connection between their family and Freddie’s?”

  “Not that I know but I will look into it.”

  “There must be some reason. Who are Isabella’s family anyway?”

  “They’re comfortable but not what you’d call rich,” said Ashley. “Her father’s an estate agent and her mother’s a librarian.”

  “Freddie’s family are loaded,” said Rachel. “And his dad’s a solicitor. Maybe they’ve pressured Isabella to change her story to get Freddie out of trouble?”

  “It’s possible,” replied Ashley. “Personally I don’t like sudden u-turns in statements like this, it always denotes something fishy.” He looked to Ethan. “I’ll only ask you this once Ethan. Did you attack Isabella Adams?”

  “No,” he retorted, cheeks pink and grey eyes full of fury. “I am not a coward.”

  Ashley nodded. “Alright.”

  “You believe him then?” said Rachel.

  “I have to stay neutral in this,” replied Ashley. “But off the record, yes I do. Freddie has a reputation as a bit of a bully whereas Ethan has protected younger children from him bef
ore. Three of the school teachers told me that.”

  Rachel beamed at her son, who stood with his head held high.

  “Have no fear, I’ll get to the bottom of it,” said Ashley. “Right, I’ll leave you to it. Sorry for the interruption.”

  “This is so not fair,” said Ethan when he’d gone. “Isabella’s really nice, she doesn’t lie. Someone must have made her.”

  “My thoughts exactly,” said Rachel. “Something funny’s going on and I want to know what. Oh what now?” she sighed when Ryan’s mobile phone started to ring.

  “It’s Jules,” he told her before answering. “Hello?” he said into the handset.

  “Ethan, go to your room,” Rachel told her son when Ryan’s grey gaze clouded over.

  “But I’ve not done anything wrong.”

  “I know you haven’t sweetie and it’s not a punishment. I just want to talk to your dad in private.”

  He noted his father ducking out of the room to talk to his sister. “Something bad’s happened in Manchester again, hasn’t it?”

  “We don’t know that yet.”

  “Course it has. It always does,” he muttered before strutting out of the room and upstairs.

  Ryan returned to the lounge, holding his phone. “Mikey and Jez have been arrested and charged.”

  “For what?”

  He closed the door behind him. “Both for conspiracy to murder Amber and Jez for Estelle’s murder. Apparently they found his DNA on her clothes.”

  “If they found hers they could have found yours and Jules’s too.”

  “We only touched her bare arms. The body was too decomposed to get any DNA from it but Jez grabbed her by the front of the shirt in a temper.”

  “Jesus Christ, I don’t believe it. And what a load of bollocks about Amber. No one touched her. It must have been an accident or McGinnis attacked her off his own back.”

  “You know what Dwyer’s like, he’s twisted it all to fit his own story.”

  “Surely they can wriggle out of this one with their contacts?”

  “They have the Chief Constable in their pockets but he’s on holiday and the Assistant Chief Constable isn’t picking up the phone.”