Chapter 36
CHAPTER 36
W arren sat staring at the cell door, wondering what time it was. There were no windows and he’d also been asleep at some point, although he didn’t know how long for. He was disorientated, feeling as if he’d been there for an eternity. Finally, the door opened and Darius entered wearing his uniform.
“At last,” he said feeling as if he could cry.
“I only just found out you were here! They had to keep it all under wraps until the op. I got your message and called back, but of course it went to voicemail, as they had it.”
“Why won’t they let me go?”
“You can go now. They had an op on.”
“What, to do with Logan?”
“Yes, a big one. They couldn’t allow the possibility of you contacting Scottie or Logan, that’s why you weren’t permitted a call. They pulled the SIM and battery out of your phone as soon as they took it off you, so it couldn’t be tracked.”
“I’d never have phoned Scottie, you know that.”
“Yes, I do. I gave them the background, that you’ve distanced yourself from him and have had nothing to do with Logan since the robbery. I also explained about you giving Scottie money to keep him away from the wedding and showed them your message to me which proved you called me straight after the video call.”
“So they believe you?”
“Yes, they apologised but there was nothing they could do. I can’t give the details but as well as seizing an illegal consignment, they caught not only Logan but another gang leader. Sorry you’ve gone through this, mate. But you helped by giving them the address. So, no real harm done.”
Warren shut his eyes. I hope she hasn’t had the baby. “I need to get back to Eversley, When I left, Nina was having contractions. I don’t even know what time it is.”
“It’s just gone two in the morning.” Darius stood up. “I’ll give you a lift back. It’s the least I can do for the help you’ve given the force.”
“I need my phone.”
“I’m sorry, but they’re keeping it as evidence.”
“I have to contact Nina.” He gulped hoping she was okay.
“You can borrow my phone.”
“I don’t know her number off the top of my head. Look, let’s head straight to Eversley village. I need to explain it face to face, not in a message. I just hope it was practice contractions and she’s at home.” He didn’t want to disturb her, so he decided to somehow rouse Jaz, she would know how Nina was.
“Let’s collect your things from the desk and get going.”
As they sped through the quiet streets of the city in the panda car, Warren turned to Darius.
“So what happened with Scottie and Logan? Can you tell me anything?”
“Scottie’s been working for him for years. Since before he went inside. They were doing a deal and it sounds to me as if they wanted to put your money towards a purchase, then to make you the fall guy if it went wrong. Good job you called me and didn’t go along.”
“I told Scottie on the phone I was done with him. If I’d blocked his number, he’d not have got through.”
“Don’t beat yourself up. He could have phoned from another number.”
“But an anonymous number wouldn’t have been tapped by your guys.”
“What’s done is done. At least you didn’t get involved. It could have had repercussions. The chief says it’s the most successful operation of the year. It wouldn’t have happened without your input. You might be in for a Chief Constable Commendation. He’s not given one out for a while and has been under pressure.”
“They treated me like a criminal.” Warren shuddered and rubbed his wrists, still sore from the hand cuffs.
“No real harm done. Now let’s get you back to Nina. I can see you’re worried. I take it you’re an official item now?”
“We were, but I may have just ruined it.” He felt sick to his gut but prayed hard that she was fine and that she would understand once he’d explained.
They drove into the village, which was completely quiet, lit only by the soft amber streetlamps.
“I’ve not been here before, it’s a far cry from where we live,” Darius said followed by a low whistle. “You’ve gone up in the world.”
“It’s the second turning on the right. Ashbury Gardens.”
Darius slowed the police car.
“Thanks for bringing me. I’ll be okay and can walk back to the farm from here.”
“Don’t be a stranger,” Darius said. “Bring Nina over and meet us. And the baby. You’ve turned into a good, solid man. Don’t ever forget that.”
Warren nodded then got out of the police car, his heart beating, wanting to know that everything was fine.
“Warren,” Jaz called in a loud whisper from her open front door. “What happened?” She approached him. “Where’ve you been?”
“It’s a long story.”
The police car moved slowly out of the cul-de-sac.
“Well, it better be a good one.” She crossed her arms.
“I was helping the police with an investigation.”
“What?” She uncrossed her arms and gestured at him. “You were arrested?”
“Yes. They thought I was caught up in a dodgy deal my foster brother was involved in. They took my phone in case I was going to alert him. They still haven’t given it back to me.” He gestured towards the door. “Look, is Nina okay? I’ve been beating myself up over it.”
Jaz took a step forward and placed her hand on his arm. “Sorry Warren, she had the baby a couple of hours ago. I’ve just got back, myself.”
Warren felt as if he had been punched in the stomach. “I missed it?” he whispered, feeling hot. He turned away, not wanting her to witness his reaction.
Jaz’s voice softened even more. “Hey, there was clearly nothing you could do. I’m sure once she’s had time, she’ll understand.”
“But she thinks I just left her to do it alone.” He turned around. “What was she saying? Was she upset?” He stared into Jaz’s eyes.
“She was worried about you,” Jaz said but he could tell she was being tactful. “Just give her time.”
“It’s all my fault.” Warren’s whole face quivered, there wasn’t any point in him trying not to cry. “Everyone told me to cut Scottie off. To block his number. If I’d listened, it wouldn’t have happened.” He wiped his eyes. “I promised her, Jaz.” His voice cracked, not being able to imagine Nina going through that whole process, the intense pain, when he was supposed to be with her. All he could hear in his head were his own words. I’ll always be there for you, I’ll never let you down. “ And how’s the baby?” Warren slumped the low wall in front of Jaz’s cottage.
“She’s perfect. Seven pounds exactly and healthy.” Jaz put a hand on his shoulder. “The most important thing is that Nina and the baby are okay. She had me there and her mum. She wasn’t alone.”
“I need to see her to explain face to face.” He looked up at her. He was shaking and wiped his face with the back of his hand.
Jaz sat beside him, her voice gentle but firm. “Warren, listen to me. Nina needs to focus on the baby right now. You can't go upsetting her. Give her some space. I’ll call you when she gets back. And of course I’ll tell her exactly what happened.”
After tea with Jaz in her kitchen, Warren refused her offer of a lift and trudged back to the farm, hating himself, repeating in his head, Why didn’t I block him ?
As he approached the farmhouse, he spotted Nick’s car on the drive. Inside, he was waiting for him with Jane.
“Darius called us,” Nick said, pulling Warren into a tight hug. “We're here for you, son.”
Warren clung to his adoptive father and his voice cracked as he spoke. "I’ve messed up.”
Jane joined them and they both held him as he sobbed.