Faded Trust

By John S Haywood

Inspector Danny Ward has been exonerated in his actions regarding The Street Cleaner murders and is due back at his post within weeks. D.C. Helen Carter called the trial 'a farce'. She had lost Sam, she had lost her friends and colleagues but she was not about to lose her dignity. Despite several transfer requests, she has no choice but to return to Chesterfield. She is ostracised by the whole station but remains steadfast. Her biggest test would be when Ward returns - could she work with a man who had killed so many?
Salter's son seeks revenge for his father's death and vows to eliminate Ward - he sends a hit man north, but a series of gruesome murders soon grab the focus of the team and Helen has no choice but to work closely with Ward. Someone is killing local youths who have a history of violence and leaving a grizzly calling card. Her new friend and colleague D.C. Paula Stone is missing and in mortal danger. Can Helen and the team find her before she becomes the killer's next victim

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Aug 17, 2017
• ISBN: 9780244326913

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Faded Trust

FADED TRUST

©John S Haywood 2017

Published in 2017

The right of John S Haywood shall be identified as the author of this work.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted or stored in a retrieval system, in any form, or by means, without permission in writing from the publishers.

All characters in this publication are fictitious and any resemblance to real people, alive or dead ,is purely coincidental.

ISBN 978-0-244-32691-3

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I always welcome feedback from my readers. You are the inspiration for me continuing my story telling. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all most sincerely for supporting me over the years. I will endeavor to reply to all your comments personally.

Kindest Regards

John S Haywood

CHAPTER ONE

An early flurry of snow had dusted the area like icing sugar on the proud head stones and grass in the huge Victorian cemetery. A few patches of blue sky threatened to push their way to the fore but the white, snow filled clouds held them at bay. Several large black limousines lined the roadway leading to the church. Each vehicle had a heavy set chauffeur dressed in a Crombie style overcoat leaning against the front passenger door and closely observing the proceedings.

A hundred mourners slowly and silently followed the casket from the church to its final resting place in the centre of the cemetery. Ahead of the procession of mourners and directly behind the six pallbearers walked a stocky fair haired man in a wool and cashmere coat. His coat was similar in style to the coats worn by the chauffeurs only his had far more noughts on the purchase price. His expression portrayed more anger than grief predominately due to the fact that it had been four months since his father had been shot dead by the police in the north, and his body released just two days ago.

He had suffered greatly during those months, not only with the grief of losing his father, but the ordeal of waiting which had had a profound effect on his mother. Now though will be the time for action and retribution. His wife clung to his arm as the thin covering of snow attempted to change the landscape and morph the pathway into a treacherous slide. He looked down to see his mother clinging heavily on his other arm.

He also prayed that the six burly men carrying the coffin would not slip as it could be fatal - especially for them. The entourage finally reached the freshly dug graveside and gathered around as the vicar began the committal ceremony. The fair haired man scanned the area several times knowing only too well that this would be an ideal opportunity for his adversaries to eliminate him and further their own ambitions.

His father had taught him well though. Bobby Salter had been a part of the Salter empire since the age of sixteen and was determined that the death of Jack would not in any way weaken what they had achieved. His scan revealed a few men who he would have preferred not to be here, but at least he knew where they were.

Sean Murphy, a ruthless and sadistic killer who headed the Irish contingent was stood with three of his bodyguards several meters behind the vicar. The Chechen mob boss Bolat Umarov remained in the rear of his own silver limousine with the window down. Bobby Salter then turned to see Arjan Hendricks and two men stood in the doorway to the church and wondered why the Dutch organised crime syndicate Penose felt the need to attend. He doubted very much that it was out of respect. The one person missing from the original five who attended the meeting in the restaurant all those months ago was the owner of the eatery, Salvadore Barbieri - 'The Barber.' Basically because he had been blown into a thousand pieces by Bobby's father Jack Salter.

Luca Zappatore had replaced Barbieri almost immediately knowing that any delay in restoring stability would result in the mafia losing ground. Bobby Salter was fully expecting repercussions from that event as the mafia knew exactly who it was who assassinated Barbieri. What were you thinking dad, Killing that bloody Itie? he whispered lightly under his breath, you knew they would retaliate. He repeated what he had said to his father on the telephone just a few hours before Jack had been killed. As yet though, no attempts at retribution had been made against the Salters, but it would come - it would definitely come, he could be sure of that.

The atmosphere was not only sombre in the chill of the cemetery, it was thick with tension, so much so that Bobby could almost taste it. Who, if anyone would initiate a confrontation? Would anyone actually be foolish enough to even contemplate it? Bobby tried to settle himself and concentrate on the send off his father was receiving. After all, he had a dozen trusted and well armed men positioned around the area, plus the guys by the cars. He felt safe enough for himself, but he felt vulnerable for his mother, sister and wife who were all present. He did not give a monkey's about anyone else, they were his primary concern.

The vicar continued his address, his voice was a distant echo to Bobby as he continued to scour the area. Usually, he had a sixth sense when trouble was about to rear its ugly head but today he felt nothing. Maybe these guys actually were here through respect as nothing seemed suspect so far. Nothing out of the norm, but that was usually when something did kick off. He maintained his vigilance, as did his men.

The absence of Zappatore did play on his mind though knowing this occasion would be perfect for a bomb attack which could take down not only himself but probably the other three bosses also. Maybe that was why they were so far apart he pondered. Bobby stared at the casket as it was gently lowered and wished the American who had shot his father was here now, in his sights; he would not be so merciful as to shoot him. No - his death would be long and agonising. He looked down at his mother and saw a crystallized tear slowly making its way down her cheek.

Mary Salter had always been a wonderful mother to Bobby and his sister. She had kept them both away from the dirt and violence of the firm. Bobby though, had inherited the same vicious streak as his father and insisted on joining Jack in his teens. Mary tried to steer him away knowing that this day would come for both Jack, and Bobby eventually.

His sister on the other hand heeded her mother's words and had taken a different path by going to university studying law. Her expertise however was usurped so often by her father that she moved away to Newcastle where she took a job with a law firm in the north east. Bobby Salter placed his arm around his mother and hugged her tighter. For now, these most precious people in his life were his highest priority as they stood looking down at the slowly descending coffin.

CHAPTER TWO

Detective Constable Helen Carter turned her small Fiat into the compound at the rear of the police station in the Derbyshire town of Chesterfield. The butterflies in her stomach were breeding so rapidly that she almost vomited.

Helen had avoided this place for almost four months during her forced leave, but she knew that this day would inevitably arrive. It was not through personal choice though as every request for transfer had been turned down due to the fact that not one force in the country would accept her, an outcome exactly as D.S. Snow had predicted following her arrest of Detective Inspector Danny Ward.

The trial, or farce as she preferred to call it had been harrowing to say the least. As the arresting officer, Helen had to give evidence against Ward once he was deemed fit enough after his gunshot wounds. No one else spoke out against him and she was alone in every sense of the word. Even Detective Sam Kane had given evidence by video link from Los Angeles corroborating what Snowy and the other officers testified. That in itself saddened Helen, she had hoped that he could have flown over in which case she would have tried to make contact with him. But it was obvious that whatever feelings they once had for each other since that day was most definitely history. Sam simply gave his evidence and even explained to the jury how Ward's fingerprints had come to be on the murder weapon. It was so feasible that the weapon itself was removed from evidence.

But what surprised Helen the most about 'the farce,' was the evidence given by one of Salter's own men. Paddy Laughlin had given himself up during the armed conflict at the scrap yard and was facing a lengthy stay at her majesty's pleasure. But out of the blue his testimony turned the case on its head. He stated that he had even observed Salter commit the murders of the other gang leaders proving that the late gang boss was indeed the so called 'Street Cleaner'. Helen later found out that he had been put into the Witness Protection Programme and had been spirited away. Paddy had obviously done a deal with the authorities in order to stay out of prison and Helen was convinced he had been coerced into it.

In Helen's eyes the whole debacle was a cover up. Due to the lack of physical or forensic evidence and inadmissible evidence, combined with the testimonies of Sam, Roz, Snowy and the others involved, Ward was exonerated of any wrong doing resulting in the late Jack Salter being unanimously found guilty of the Street Cleaner murders.

She had no doubts in her mind that she would be hated and ostracised by Snowy, the team and even further afield in the force in general and decided that she would have to handle that after her transfer requests were all turned down. But by the way she was shaking with nerves right now, she was seriously doubting her strength of character. Helen had tried numerous avenues in which she could move away from this area including resigning from the force altogether. Her overriding fear above being ostracised was that she would not accept Ward despite her once high regard for him. Why had he not confessed at the trial as he said he would? Okay, she assumed he was most definitely advised, almost gagged by his counsel and even high ranking police officers to plead not guilty, but that in no way made it right; Ward had committed murder however one looked at it.

No! she said to herself through clenched teeth, if I did resign they would just wave goodbye and it would all be forgotten and I would just drift into obscurity. Helen had chanted that mantra to herself many times over the months. Arresting D.I. Danny Ward believing it was her duty to do so had lost her the love of her life and alienated colleagues to the point of every single one refusing to work with her. She sighed heavily as she slid out of her warm car and looked up at the snow filled sky.

Please just let me get through this day and see where I go from here. she spoke out aloud once more. Thankfully, her car locked on the key fob as her trembling hands would never have negotiated a lock. Helen took in a lung full of winter air and walked towards the rear entrance to the police station and punched in the key code before entering. At least they have not changed the key code she thought with a rush of paranoia.

Helen felt a little lighter for the first time this morning as she saw a friendly face behind the desk. The tall sergeant Jim Henderson had always been a close ally and acquaintance, even to the point of 'disregarding protocol' as he called it in helping her. He slowly looked up as she approached the desk.

Morning Jim, how are you today? she enquired as upbeat as she could muster. Her stomach knotted once more as the sergeant simply scowled at her.

D.C.I. Green is waiting for you upstairs. he replied sharply, devoid of any form of greeting. The hostility in his voice hit her hard, you are late. he concluded then turned away from her and continued talking to the civilian receptionist at the other desk. Helen could have so easily burst into tears at that rebuff but she breathed heavily and turned towards the stairs. Great start! she whispered to herself swallowing hard

She plodded up the steps trying to remain inflated. Jim Henderson had always been so kind towards her; always gave her a smile and a few niceties. He even used to call her his favourite detective; how could someone change so much? She continued up the stairs with heavy footfalls, and as she passed several officers, plain clothes and uniform alike on her way up, not one spoke or acknowledged her in any way, it was as if she was invisible. They even ceased their conversations as they stepped by her.

This was going to be tougher than even she had imagined and she had not even reached the squad room yet. Helen had never met D.C.I. Rob Green who had been appointed interim team boss until the return of Danny Ward. All she knew of him was that Green and Ward were very close friends. Another factor which did not allay her anxiety. At the top of the stairs she stopped and looked down the long corridor towards the door to the squad room at the end. This was the very same corridor where Snowy had frog marched her down that day when she was having a strop because the D.S. had stopped her talking to Ward about his family. It was that day when she learned his wife and daughter had been killed by a getaway vehicle in London. A moment of embarrassment came over her as that memory hit home and she felt a slight bead of sweat run down her neck which soon became uncomfortable. Was this really worth it? There was a moment of hesitation as she looked down over the grey car park below. It would have been so easy for her to just turn around, walk away and resign. Did she need this in her life? Helen answered herself in the affirmative immediately and stiffened her body then took a few deep breaths as the door loomed before her.

Helen gently pushed it open to see that nothing much had changed. Detective Sergeant Roz Allen was still seated at the same desk facing the door. Roz looked up, her eyes widened for a split second then they returned to the monitor on her desk. Helen had expected that and knew already that whatever friendship she had nurtured with this woman was now dissolved.

Seated together as always on the far side of the room were Detective Constables Wazir Mohammad and Abrial Saad. They both looked up together and Helen could see that they almost smiled, then they too ignored her and continued with what they were doing. Helen turned her head to the right; Detective Sergeant Craig Snow's desk was empty so she slowly walked to her old desk and began to sit down by the side of Roz Allen.

That desk is taken. snapped the sergeant without looking at Helen, there is one over there. Roz Allen pointed to a corner of the room far from any other desk. Helen had never noticed that before and gathered it had been put there for this very occasion. She did not protest and simply walked over to the other desk and dropped into the chair. No one acknowledged her in any way. She sighed heavily then glanced over to D.I. Ward's office which was occupied by D.C.I. Rob Green. The door was closed and he was in there alone, Danny Ward never closed the office door.

Helen decided to get it over with and introduce herself so she stood then walked towards the office just as D.S. Craig Snow entered the room. She turned to her left to see him stood in the doorway. He stopped when he saw her and they locked eyes for a few seconds before Snowy lowered his and made for his own desk. Helen ignored him, turned and knocked on the D.C.I.'s door.

Come. It was a strong voice, positive and clear. Helen pushed the door open and Green looked up from the desk. He knew that she was returning today so was not in the least bit surprised. The D.C.I. looked at her and actually smiled, the first smile that she had received since arriving. Come in D.C. Carter and sit down.

Helen did as she was bid and seated herself facing Green. He was in his early fifties she guessed, his brown hair was struggling to keep out the gray, but it was still thick and well groomed. Although he was seated, Helen put him much taller than Danny Ward.

Just give me a few seconds to finish this. he said again with a smile. Helen knew that he and Ward were close friends and was more than a little confused by his amiable greeting. Would he give her a hard time later perhaps?, she deliberated. She glanced around the room as Green signed off some papers. The office had not changed, not one item had been moved as far as she could tell, but then why would it as Ward will be returning soon? That would most definitely be the make or break time for her. If she was going to be ignored by her colleagues - so be it, she could probably handle that, she would have no choice, but how would she handle Ward? Could she really work with a murderer? To Helen, at the end of the day that is exactly what he is. Danny Ward had basically got away with multiple murder.

A minute passed in silence which only heightened her feeling of anxiety. Helen was convinced her hands were tingling. 'Oh my God!' she thought, 'I hope I am not having a panic attack.' Green finally placed his pen back in his jacket pocket and flattened his hands palms downwards on the desk. He looked up at Helen and could see her discomfort.

It must be pretty tough for you Helen. he began, his tone was soft and sincere.

It is very strained sir yes. she replied, as her voiced trembled slightly.

He glanced over her shoulder to ensure that the door was closed.

I have spoke at length with Danny - D.I. Ward over the last couple of months. As you may be aware and following the ordeal of the trial etc., he was placed on sick leave. What he did tell me on several occasions was that he has nothing but admiration for you Helen and in no way does he hold any enmity against you for being so committed to your beliefs. In fact he says he would have done exactly the same if the roles were reversed.

So did he confess to you sir? Helen blurted out instinctively. Green frowned and his face changed.

Confess what D.C. Carter?, replied the D.C.I. more firmly, he was acquitted of all wrong doing and in fact he has even been put forward for a commendation in saving your life.

Helen felt that one below the belt although she did not believe that Green had meant it that way, but nevertheless it stung.

Look sir. she could feel the familiar impatience building up in her already fluttering stomach, the Inspector actually confessed to several people. Helen turned her head towards the squad room before continuing, that he was the Street Cleaner, he openly admitted it.

Green straightened a little in his chair before replying. But as you know at the trial Helen there was not a shred of evidence to back it up. No DNA or forensic of any description. The murder weapon had several sets of prints on it and was dismissed as evidence. Then the testimony of Salter's own man all but clinched it. The CPS had no choice but to drop any charges against the Inspector. he placed his finger tips together in front of his chest, but I have to admire your resolve as does he, you were the only one who stood against him. Green took another glance at the door for some reason. Look Helen, you know and I know that Danny Ward is a good man, so what good would it have done for him to rot in prison when he can do so much good here? he waved his hand around the office.

I don't doubt that sir. replied Helen, she was finding it easier than she thought with Green, so decided to continue, but surely sir, it makes a mockery of what we all joined the force for. Do we respect and uphold the law, or do we not?

Green could see what Danny Ward had told him he himself saw in this woman. Helen Carter had resolve in buckets full, so he decided to try another approach.

So Helen. the warm smile returned, why have you stayed on in the force when you know that such an injustice has taken place?

Good question sir. she came back quickly, basically I cannot answer that. The whole event has dented my belief in the system big time, but don't get me wrong sir, D.I. Ward is the best boss I ever had and is a true people person, but does that excuse the fact that he got away with murder?

You put a good point Helen but I think we had better leave it there. Green's eyes alone informed Helen that the topic of this particular discussion was at an end. He leaned forward with his elbows on the desk top. D.I. Ward will be returning in a couple of months perhaps sooner, he began, so that will be a better time for decisions, such as whether you can or cannot work under him and that Helen, will be a matter between you and Detective Inspector Ward. Helen knew the D.C.I. was correct in what he said; she would have to face that fact when it arose. I do realise it will be difficult for you working here Helen. he added, she remained bolt upright in the exact position that she had adopted at the outset. I will admit that when we heard that you were returning, the consensus was less than joyous.

I can imagine sir. she tried to relax but could not, "I doubt I am even on anyone's Christmas card list let alone at the top of one." That comment brought a smile to Green's face. He had to admit that he liked this person, she had real guts.

I can find you plenty of cases where you can work alone if you prefer.

I honestly do not mind one way or the other sir. If I get put on a case with Snowy at least it will make it so that he has to converse with me. Same goes for Roz and the others. Helen's nerves had subsided a great deal now and she felt her determination building. This little one to one with the boss had been more than indispensable, almost therapeutic. She had had no one to share