Chapter 34
CHAPTER 34
W hen Warren woke in his bed at Booth Farm, he was buzzing and felt completely alive, even though he hadn’t arrived home until gone two in the morning.
The autumn sun did it’s best to warm him as he took a slow walk to his silvopasture, eating a slice of toast, with his coffee-filled travel mug in his other hand. His phone dinged with a text, so he popped the last of the toast in his mouth and pulled the phone from his pocket. It was from Nina:
Morning. Don’t go too far, I’m having regular twinges, this could be the start!
Do you want me to come over? he replied.
Not yet but get anything you want doing done. I’ll keep you updated. Can’t wait to see you xx
Warren grinned as he neared his field, glancing at the willow he’d planted in the spring, imagining it growing into a fully fledged tree and wondered what the pasture would look like when Nina’s child was an adult. He couldn’t ever remember feeling this happy. He kept replaying their kisses in his head, how it felt to lie beside her, holding her, relishing the romantic feelings, the type he’d never felt before. Yes, he'd been with women before but that had been a physical thing, not this all- encompassing emotion. He knew in his heart that this must be love, but he still would find that declaration too hard to express verbally. I don’t want to jinx it, he thought. The child within him was scared of telling someone he loved them, because of what had happened to his mother. He took a deep breath in of the fresh air, his heart swelling at the thought of becoming a stepfather, because that’s what he wanted. He couldn't quite believe how lucky he was that she had finally come around to the idea that they could be together, to possibly become a family.
He arrived at the greenhouse and opened the door, breathing in the thick aroma of the plants. He looked for the bulbs he wanted to plant that day, and picked out some garlic and wild leeks which should go in sooner rather than later. He placed his phone on the wooden slats which ran along the length of the greenhouse, as he removed his coat. It was always warm in the greenhouse. Picking up the bulbs, he headed to the door when his mobile phone rang. Realising he should carry his phone with him at all times, considering Nina could go into labour at any moment, he picked it up and frowned – it was Scottie.
He shook his head. Why didn’t I block his number? Everyone had told him to. To his surprise, it was a video call rather than a voice call. He felt strong now. He had other responsibilities he wanted to take on. He was strong enough to tell Scottie straight – it was over. After hesitating and taking a moment to compose himself, he answered. Scottie's face appeared on the screen.
“Before you start,” Warren said. “I’m sorry, mate, but I’ve a new life and responsibilities, which I can’t afford to mess up. I need every penny I have. All our conversations involve you asking me for money. We're done.” The night before had cemented that for him. A baby was coming into the world, and he already felt protective of it, as protective as he felt of Nina.
“But you've got to help me!” Scottie cried.
“I saw you, Scottie,” Warren said. “Last time I gave you that money, drunk at the Raven on your way to the kebab house. You never gave that money to Logan or your landlord.”
He was about to end the call when another face appeared on the screen. One that sent an instant shot of fear to his gut – Logan. He looked much older and had a beard, but Warren would recognise his eyes anywhere, the eyes that had terrified him as a youth.
“Long time no see, grass.”
“I never grassed on you. I took the heat.” Warren’s voice had come out as a growl which surprised him. It was lucky for Logan that he was not face to face. He knew he would now tower over the man. He was the bigger man, not just as far as human nature was concerned.
“You’re cosied up with that pig Darius Christou, he knows about the old dear, he told me. But now your brother needs you.”
“Scottie isn’t my brother,” Warren said and meant it.
Logan ignored the comment. “And you’re right, he never gave me the money he owed me. Listen to what he has to say, and you listen clear.” The picture went back to Scottie.
Warren felt cold and rooted to the spot as his heart thudded.
Scottie’s face reappeared. “Logan says he's gonna finish me off if I don't give him what I owe,” Scottie pleaded.
Warren heard Logan in the background. “With interest he owes me two grand. I need it by ten tonight.”
“Two thousand?” Warren asked.
Scottie's eyes widened. “Please, Warren, this is the last time. I promise.”
Logan called out, “If you don't get here with it, you'll never see him again.”
Warren never wanted to see Scottie again anyway, but neither did he want him dead. However, he had new responsibilities – there was Nina and the child to think of. The last thing he could do was get mixed up with Logan, who was into just about any dodgy deal going.
“Where are you?” Warren asked.
“Unit 5, Tickton Industrial Estate. Please, mate, please.” Scottie’s eyes were bloodshot, but wide open. The video call ended.
Warren swore under his breath. He had no intention of giving any of his money to Logan. But what he could do was call Darius. Scottie had brought this on himself and he couldn't help him. He called Darius, but there was no reply. So he texted him, asking him to call immediately as it was an emergency. He returned the phone to his back pocket and picked up the saplings, taking them across the field.
His phone dinged with a text and he grabbed it, thinking it was Darius, but it was Nina.
The contractions are now regular, but really mild. May be a false alarm. Pop over for lunch if you can, I might need to start those breathing exercises. She added a screaming emoji.
Warren smiled, feeling a surge of emotion. He decided to hurry, tidy away and tell Mitch he was signing off, possibly for a day or so. This could be it, he thought. He knew enough about the birth process from all of the meetings they’d attended and that there was no telling how long it would take. He texted Nina back to say he would be there. She replied:
See you soon xx
Warren felt excited and needed, realising he’d never felt needed before in his entire life.
After about twenty minutes of planting he left everything neat and tidy as he realised he might not be back to the field for some time. As he made his way towards the farmhouse, he saw a black 4x4 SUV roll into the drive. Two men got out, dressed in dark clothing, and scanned the area until they spotted him. His senses twinged with a pang of fear, inherent from his youth, being able to sniff out what he used to refer to as ‘the pigs’. He squinted, thinking it might be Darius, but as the men walked towards him, he realised it wasn’t him, but they definitely resembled police.
He walked towards the men as they were clearly headed in his direction. “Can I help you?” he called out.
“Are you Warren Hunter?” one of the men asked.
“Yes. Have you spoken to Sergeant Christou?”
“We'd appreciate it if you accompanied us,” the man said, flashing his police badge.
“I’ve called Sergeant Christou. I can’t come now.”
“We'll discuss it when we get back to the station.”
“Is this about Scott Jackman? Because I’ve already contacted the police, well, Darius, myself.” He wished he’d left a more detailed message rather than call me.
“We can’t discuss it until we reach the station.”
“I'll have to send a text.” Warren pulled his phone from his pocket, fear shooting through his chest.
The policeman swiped the phone from him and in no time they’d cuffed him.
“Hey, I have to call my girlfriend.”
The other detective placed his hand on his shoulder. “Warren Hunter, I’m arresting you on suspicion of conspiracy to commit a crime. Anything you do say may be used against you.”
“Just let me call my girlfriend,” he said as they bundled him into the back of the SUV. Panic took over. He heard himself calling out to them to let him go while they strapped him in, as if it was another person crying out. Memories flooded back from his youth, but this time it was worse, he had somewhere to be and someone depending on him and something to lose.
They quickly drove off, the wheels spinning in the gravel.
Warren took deep breaths to calm himself, as he heard the sound of his heart thudding in his ears. He knew shouting out had been a wrong move. He shut his eyes and counted to ten then leaned forward, the cuffs digging into his wrists as the seat belt restricted him. “Can we discuss this and you not treat me like a criminal?” he asked through the grill which separated the back seat from the front. “As I’ve said, I called Sergeant Christou and you can tell that from my phone, if you want to check it.”
The policemen remained silent. For a moment he panicked. Were they really policeman? Or was this some sort of set up by Logan?
“Could I have my phone back, please? I need to call my girlfriend – she's pregnant, and I'm waiting for a call from Darius Christou.”
The policemen exchanged a glance. “What's your connection to Christou?”
“He's family. I know we don't look alike – I was adopted by his brother.”
The two policemen spoke in hushed tones, but all they did was turn on the siren of the unmarked car and speed around the traffic.
Warren groaned as he looked at the road signs, realising it wasn’t the local police station they were taking him to. It was likely to be Bristol – he assumed to the main station. But at least that was where Darius was located. Fear ripped through his chest, a pain he’d not experienced before, the pain at not being able to contact Nina.
As they arrived at Bridewell Police Station, in the centre of Bristol, he asked again, “Could you please call Sergeant Christou?”
“We're taking you to an interview room.”
As they entered the building they took him to the desk.
“I’m emptying your pockets,” the detective beside him said.
Warren felt panicked. He knew the drill, remembering the last time he was brought to that same station, after the bungled burglary.
“Can I have my phone back? To make my call?”
The duty sergeant ignored him as he took a note of the items, calling them out as he did so. His wallet, his keys and a packet of mints. He guessed his phone had already been whisked away by one of the detectives who had already left.
“Come this way,” the remaining detective who still held his arm said. “I’m Detective Bestow.” He gestured for him to walk ahead.
After taking his prints and mugshots, Bestow directed him to the corridor. “It’s the second on the left.”
A uniformed officer followed them into the interview room and stood by the door. Warren was shown to a seat opposite the second detective who was already in place, at a table.
“Can you tell me what this is in connection with?” Warren asked.
Detective Bestow switched on the recording device and recorded the date and who was present.
“I’m Detective Sergeant Shaw. We’re following up on an investigation. Could you please explain your relationship with Scott Jackman.”
“He’s been abducted.”
“From the beginning. The details of your relationship.”
Warren breathed out and sat back in his chair. The sooner he got this over with, the sooner he could get back to Nina. He had his credit card in his wallet. A taxi would be expensive, but he had to get back. “We grew up together in foster care.”
Bestow stared at him. “And your present day relationship?”
“I’ve nothing to do with Scottie, I’ve moved on, but he called me today.”
The other detective leafed through the papers on the table. “You are telling us that you no longer have a relationship with him at all?”
“That’s correct, I’ve moved on with my life, he hasn’t. I’ve recently obtained a doctorate and am working and living in Eversley village.”
“We’re aware of that.” The detective pulled a photograph from the pile. “For the record, I’m showing Warren Hunter item reference MH343.” He pushed the picture towards Warren. “A photograph taken from the security camera at 625 Fishponds Road.” He paused. “Can you explain this?”
Warren stared at the grainy picture of himself and Scottie. “That was the day before my parents’ wedding.”
“Your parents?” Detective Bestow looked at the file. “We have you as an orphan as from the twenty-ninth of October 2001 when Judy Hunter died, and that you spent the rest of your childhood in foster care.”
“The couple who became my unofficial parents at age sixteen are Nick and Jane Christou. Look, you can check this with Darius. Can I make a telephone call? I’m allowed one.”
“To your solicitor? We’ll make it for you.”
“No, to my girlfriend.”
“I must warn you again that you should call a solicitor. We can arrange for the duty solicitor should you require one.”
“My girlfriend’s pregnant.”
“You’re due to be a father?” he asked.
“It’s not mine but…” He shook his head not wishing to go into the details, after all officially Nina had been his girlfriend for less than twenty-four hours. And what if they then went after Nina, interviewing her when she was in labour? Please let it be a false alarm. No, he couldn’t drag her into this, he didn’t want her tainted by his past.
“Let’s continue.” Detective Sergeant Shaw moved the picture closer to Warren. “Why were you pictured with Scott Jackman on Fishponds Road on the third of August?”
“He was in trouble.”
“You’ve been funding his operation?” Detective Bestow handed over another photograph. “For the recording I am passing Warren Hunter item MH344 at 633 Fishponds Road.”
Warren looked down at another grainy black and white picture of himself. It was close-up and he presumed it was of him at the cashpoint. His heart beat a little faster, hoping that Darius would arrive soon. He was pleased that he’d already explained the position to him at the wedding, and that Darius knew he’d met Scottie the day before to give him the money in the hope he would stay away while Nick and Jane tied the knot.
“He came to me wanting money. It was my parents’ wedding the following day and I didn’t want him bugging me. He knew where and when it was taking place.”
“And what’s your relationship with Frank Logan?” Detective Sergeant Shaw stared at him.
Warren shut his eyes. Is this really happening? “The last time I spoke to him was the day of the robbery in 2012, which you must have on your file.”
“Maybe you will enlighten us, Dr Hunter?”
“Please, can you call Sergeant Darius Christou. He’ll back me up.”
“If you don’t co-operate we’ll have to place you in a holding cell until we make alternative enquiries.”
“Logan committed a burglary in 2012 and took myself and Scottie along, telling us we were doing a house clearance job. It’s on your records, I was charged with accessory to a burglary but refused to name Logan at the time. I was fifteen and scared of him. As a grown man I can sit here and tell you, he did it and he’s abducted Scottie and wants me to pay up. Look, I don’t want to have to be here any longer than I have to. My…friend needs me.”
“Why did Logan call you today?”
“It was Scottie who called me, he said he owed Logan.”
“The phone is registered to Frank Logan.”
Warren gulped. Was Scottie working with Logan? A feeling of dread seeped into his veins.
“Logan came on the phone while I was speaking to Scottie…”
“You said the last time you spoke to him was 2012.”
“I meant, before today.” He shook his head.
“What did Logan say to you?” Detective Sergeant Shaw asked.
“He demanded that I pay him two thousand pounds, otherwise I’d never see Scottie again.”
The detectives exchanged a glance.
“So where are you planning to deliver this?”
“I’m not. I called Darius to report it to him, so he can deal with it. But Logan said to drop it at Unit 5 Tickton Industrial estate.”
Detective Sergeant Shaw put his hands together. “That’s not where the call was made from.”
“If you know about the call, I presume you were listening in! Why are you playing games with me?”
“I can assure you, Dr Hunter, we are not playing games. We did not tap the phone, we just know a call was made to you and a rough location of where it originated from and it was nowhere near Tickton. What time are you to drop the funds?”
“By ten o’clock tonight.”
“Recording ended at ten fifty-five.” Bestow switched the recording device off.
“Can I go now?” Warren asked.
“We need to verify the information you’ve given us and strongly advise you to contact a solicitor.”
“I don’t need a solicitor, I need you to contact Darius. Have you?”
“As soon as he arrives at the station, we’ll alert him.” The detectives both stood up and the officer who had been guarding the door approached him and unclipped his cuffs from the table.
Warren panicked as the uniformed officer led him to a cell. “You can’t just put me in here? I’m entitled to a call, I know that. Let me make the call.” His heart pounded and his vision became blurred.
“We’re able to hold you for twenty-four hours.” The officer uncuffed him then shut the door behind him.
Warren paced the room like a wild animal, looking around, remembering his youth, as fresh in his mind as it had ever been. He thumped on the door in frustration.
An officer flipped the window open. “Yes?”
“I need to get out of here!”
The man just flipped it shut again. Warren slumped to the bench and put his head in his hands. “Stay calm,” he whispered to himself as he waited to hear from Darius. “He’ll sort it out.”