The Steven Price Mysteries Part 4 the Final: The Incident in the Cross

By Linda Pye and Joseph Pye

This is the concluding part of the saga of Detective Chief Inspector Steven Price, the fourth in the series and continues his quest to find his late wifes killer. This time he is drawn into an operational task force where a murdered suspect had information to the crime of the past, namely the murder of his late wife Sally. Find out how the truth emerges and the whole story comes together as the past catches up with all those concerned.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris UK
• Release date: Mar 28, 2014
• ISBN: 9781493142538

Linda Pye

Joseph and Linda have now written five books and this is the last in the series entitled “The Steven Price Mysteries”. They have just started on the next novel concerning Steven Price but this time with a new partner and location. This last book has been a while coming as they have had a busy two years running a pub in Cornwall and then moving into a new home, also in Cornwall. Joseph is the originator of the stories and the main writer and Linda portrays the female side of the characters. Joseph has had the ideas in his head for many years after listening to tales from his grand father who was a detective back in the era around the second world war and just afterwards. His brother-in-law was also a detective, before immigrating to Australia in the 1970’s.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

It was the summer of 1966

I t was the year that the world of football came alive, especially in this country with the likes of Geoff Hurst and the legendary Gordon Banks; not to mention the likes of Pele, who seemed to dominate the games, but was duped by the skills of Gordon Banks and his athletic genius in goal for England.

With the magic skills of Brazil out of the games, it left England to play West Germany in the final. This meant the game was truly coming home, to the sounds of joy throughout the land, with the whole country now caught up in the euphoria of the match. Many establishments both public and private were gearing up to spend some relaxing time to sit and be totally enthralled by ninety minutes of action that was to be played at Wembley Stadium.

It all started around two weeks before the big game that would set this country alight to the cheers of ‘ENGLAND’, which would echo around every corner in this country.

Meanwhile

It was on a warm summer’s Saturday evening in the busy, ‘The Star’ pub, in a little village of Hertfordshire, known as Wormley. The pub stands back from the road with a large car park at its front, the road at that point was widest because, in the distant past, it was once the turning point for trams, that would rattle up to that pub and turn around, to head back to London, but was now merely a bus stop for buses heading for Hertford town.

Four lads now sat in the busy pub, by the window to the right of the entrance, busy knocking the beer back like it was going out of fashion, or the world was about to end at any moment in time. Several men were propping up the bar area, some with their wives or girlfriends too.

At one end of the bar sat a group of three people, who seemed busy chatting amongst themselves, oblivious to the rest of the world. There was a middle-aged woman who had short black curly hair and was wearing a fancy floral dress. It had shoulder straps revealing her slender shoulders and just a touch of cleavage where she happily showed of her two tier pearl necklace and was drinking a glass of Malibu and lemonade. She sat glued to the conversation of her two male companions who were drinking pints of bitter, it was hard to say at that point which one of the two men was her husband or maybe even her boyfriend.

Several men entered the bar and headed for a back room where they wanted to play a few games of pool.

The four lads, who joyfully sat in the window, were in fact, Simon Locke, Richard Roberts, Dave Knight and Steven Curtis.

It was a usual type of Saturday night with them having played a couple of games of darts, before finally sitting down to enjoy their own company.

Richard, was a short five foot four inch tall, well built lad, who had the nickname of ‘little Tarzan’. He had a typical Beatles haircut, as he loved their music, and equally he loved to dress like them too. Today he was wearing a dark blue collarless jacket over a white shirt. This had a long pointed collar and a thin black tie and a pair of dark blue bellbottom hipster trousers, with the usual wide white leather belt with an ornate buffalo’s head type buckle, to set it off. On his feet was the trend of the time, black Cuban heeled boots with two inch heels to boot.

Dave and Steven were five foot six and of slender build, with Dave having shoulder length ginger hair whereas Steven had dark brown hair and was talking of dying it red white and blue for the game. He had the makings of a beard and moustache, declaring that his girlfriend Marcia liked him to grow it.

Dave had arrived at the pub on his Scooter, a silver grey Lamboretta he had bought new a month earlier. He happily wore a parka with a fur lined hood and his name embroidered on the back in white cotton. Tossing it onto a bench he sat next to it wearing a maroon coloured jacket over a paisley shirt and a flower patterned tie.

Simon was wearing his usual denim jacket over a white t-shirt and bellbottom jeans as he loved listening to the Rolling Stones.

When ya gunna get a real bike Si? Asked Dave jovially, as he sat down on the bench clutching his pint of lager and a tipped cigarette in his other hand that he had just lit.

What for! Simon snapped with a deep frown, but then added more calmly, look Dave he sighed, and at the same time he retrieved his pint of beer, before adding, "Just because you like to ride a motorbike… look… can’t you see (he took a sip of his drink) I’m happy to ride my trusted bicycle, he returned picking up his half full pint of beer then added poetically, it doesn’t cost me anything… not like you lot with your scooters… you know… tax, insurance, petrol, it all costs money and money is short these days; what with the other half wanting more money, saying the bills are going up…"

I was only joking Si, he interrupted him in his flow picking up his almost empty pint glass and downing what was left, before adding, whose round is it then?, he quickly enquired, bringing his glass down on to the table in a friendly gesture.

Don’t look at me Dave? returned a concerned Simon who returned his glass to the table too, then added I got the last one in.

Alright lads I’ll get them in, smiled Richard has he rose to his feet with the usual banter of four pints of the old amber nectar then is it lads? (they just grinned back holding out their empty glasses) he was a single lad with a wallet full of money, due to him holding down a good job in the city, which he loved sharing with his close friends.

It was about then that a couple of young looking girls in their bright red mini skirts and soft pink tops entered the bar, one was a blonde, with straight hair that was halfway down her slender back and a well trimmed fringe and she carried a dark red shoulder bag draped over her right shoulder. Her friend, on the other hand, had shoulder length mousy brown hair and carried a green hand bag in her right hand too. They seemed happy to be entering the pub, as if they were embarking on a quest to be older than they really were as they giggled amongst themselves, as if they had just been told a funny joke.

The blonde girl put her hand on her friend’s shoulder and gently pushed her, as she reached into her bag to retrieve her purse.

Hello Shirley, remarked Richard politely as he too made for the bar, with reference to the young blonde girl.

Richard, was all she replied. What’s yah poison Jen?

I’ll have a lager and lime, Jenny replied.

Its ok girls I’ll get them in… It’s my round… the lads are over there (he pointed to the table by the window) Dave’s there too, he returned casually removing a ten pound note from his wallet.

Ain’t he a one, Jen? Replied Shirley cheekily returning her purse to her bag, anyway I want to get some ciggies first though, she said then added, I’m gasping for a fag you know, where’s that bloody fag machine?

Moments later he returned to his friends with a tray of drinks that he gently placed on to the table. I forgot to mention something important to you earlier lads, he said retrieving his pint of beer before adding calmly, I bet you can’t guess what I’ve managed to get the other day… you’re not going to get it by a long shot?

So Mr, money bags, why don’t you put us all out of our misery, returned Dave who had also picked up his drink and had already downed a large mouthful.

Yeh come on Rich tell us we are all ears, returned Simon.

A bus heading for Hertford pulled up at the bus stop just outside, where a small group of elderly people got off and headed for the pub, talking amongst themselves, having just come from the bingo hall in Waltham Cross. Apparently one of them had won a large sum of money and ready to blow it on a good evening with their friends.

Richard just smiled conceitedly to himself, as he sipped at his drink, clutching it lovingly with his left hand, before dipping into his inside jacket pocket, with his right hand, to remove a long white sealed envelope that he tossed casually onto the wooden table. The pub was getting busier by the minute.

Well Rich are you going to fill us in on the contents of that envelope? Enquired a curious Dave who had picked it up and toyed with it for a few moments, before returning it to the table again.

Well! he said lingering gently, what’s coming up soon? He said jovially, as if to torment his friends.

Well it isn’t his bloody birthday, expressed Dave, than added, that was last month so he reckoned, returned Dave sharply.

Yeah I remember that Dave, commented Steve, who then added, I was there too, at the party, that is.

The World Cup you bloody idiots, snapped Richard, who having replaced his glass onto the table then retrieved the envelope and proceeded to slowly but gently open it, still with that grin on his face. They all stared longingly at him, as he seemed determined to keep them all in suspense.

You haven’t gone and got yahself a ticket to see the match by any chance? returned Simon with bated breath.

No way! Exclaimed Dave, who then went on to add, but there like gold dust, I know, I tried to get one too, only the other day, for Christ sake.

Well you’re in luck, you see, I managed to lay my hands on four tickets to see the match… not just one… and yes it cost me an arm and a leg, I can tell yeh that much for sure, he remarked, as he tossed the four tickets onto the table for them to see and hold.

You got tickets for the big match? came the voice of an elderly gentleman with grey hair sitting on the next table, his little old brown and black dog lay at his feet, as he had done so since time had began.

Yes Jack! Exclaimed Richard turning briefly to reply to the old man whom he knew, answering his question.

May I, returned Jack having placed his newspaper carefully on to the table beside a glass of Guinness. He eagerly wanted to say that he had managed to touch the item in question. Briefly closing his eyes, he wanted to imagine that he was entering that great arena, armed with the ticket tightly in his hand, and feeling proud to be there, if only in spirit at least.

Well Jack! What dya reckon then? Richard enquired with a quaint smile on his face, seeing the look of contentment in the old man’s eyes.

Who wouldn’t want to be associated with the biggest day in our lives, returned Jack as he handed back the ticket adding calmly, I wish I was twenty years younger I’d be wanting to buy one of them off of you son.

Talking of which Rich me old China plate, commented Simon inquisitively in the background, before adding, What’s this going to cost us… or haven’t you thought about that yet?

Ten quid a ticket, Richard returned quickly, You will be alright about that, lads?

I’m in, returned each of them gladly. Dave removed a ten pound note from his pocket along with Steven who couldn’t wait to be asked a second time, placing their money on the table ready to be picked up by Richard.

What about you Si… are you in, or out? Richard enquired.

I’m in of course, but do you want the money, like, eh, right now? He quizzed, not wishing to miss out on the special day.

Pay me when you can afford it Si… I’m not desperate for the money as you know… money is the least of my worries, returned a jovial Richard, as he retrieved the tickets returning them to the envelope respectfully before picking up the money too.

He then went on to explain to them in great detail that he suggested that they should all meet up at Dave’s house in Waltham Cross at around eleven o’clock, on the morning of the big day. That way they could all have fun travelling to the match on the train from Waltham Cross station. This was accepted by all concerned, and they left it at that, and continued to enjoy the rest of the evening in a different light with the exciting knowledge of what was to come.

CHAPTER 2

T he memory of the world cup nineteen sixty six had long since ebbed into the distant archives of history, with England winning in the dying minutes of extra time, to the voice of the commentator saying those immortal words ‘they think it’s all over, well it is now’, as that last kick of the ball entered the goal.

*     *     *     *

It was in the early hours of the morning of the 2nd of January, of the year 1982. Some sixteen years after that great day in history for Britain, but it was this particular morning that at around three o’clock that Angie complained that her contractions had started and were occurring about every ten minutes or so. She gave Steve a gentle nudge to inform him that the baby was coming.

What!! Steve muttered, upset at having his sleep broken by the sudden reality of the situation regarding that of Angie and the new arrival that was supposed to be due at the end of January.

I think its started Steve… the baby, it’s every ten minutes… the contractions that is, she uttered.

Go back to sleep babe, you’re dreaming, it’s not time yet, Steve yawned, before turning over again, to return to his dream like state.

Time clicked on and it was at around 4-30 am when Angie had to say something again, giving Steve yet another gentle shove to arouse his attention to her present situation this time declaring that her contractions were now every five minutes and getting stronger.

Again Steve oblivious to her pleas merely said calmly, go back to sleep babe, you’re dreaming again, whereby he retuned yet again to his sleep pattern as before.

His mind was slowly drifting into another dimension when Angie’s pleas began to hit the vital spot, within his sleep, when he suddenly realised what she had just said, making him leap up in awe, of the predicament before him, realising the baby was coming and he had to get her to the hospital a.s.a.p.

Almost falling over himself, as he desperately tried to put on his trousers and saying to Angie she should get up and get ready to be taken to the hospital.

Whilst Angie took her time to get dressed, Steve had managed to telephone through to the hospital, which was now on red alert to the situation. Steve was now facing the job of trying to hurry the situation along, almost dragging poor Angie out into the early morning cold air, where there were already signs where it was evident that snow was on its way. Keen to get on he eagerly edged her into the car, then he was soon speeding off in the general direction of the hospital. With Angie giving out moans as the pains of the contraction grew in strength gripping her stomach at the feeling of the contractions. ‘The baby’s coming!’ was all she kept tearfully saying, that was accompanied by the contractions.

It was about then that the reality of the situation began to take hold, as he sped to the new future, his mind began to feel for Angie’s predicament, regarding the problem related to the events taking place inside her young head, the brain tumour that was lingering within the midst of the new arrival. Suddenly, glancing across the car at her, he began to suspect the worst scenario was about to happen in his life for the second time.

It was only the previous morning, over breakfast, that she was happily telling him, she was getting on well with his grandfather’s life story, declaring that she couldn’t wait to get her teeth in to working on the creating of his memoirs, putting then into a proper book form. She felt this was something she knew his grandfather would’ve wanted. She somehow knew that what she was reading were just notes related to certain times in his life that he had felt compelled to put down in written context.

Ever since the day he learned of Angie’s situation, it had welled up in his mind ever since, like a nightmare, repeating itself over and over everyday. It always turned out with the same ending, usually with him holding the baby in his strong arms to protect her from life’s troubles. He desperately tried to clear his mind to the idea, that she could lose the battle for life, at any given moment in time. He sensed the worst, with him believing that a single moment in time could change the whole course of history in a single second, for the future for all those concerned, in the battle for some form of existence, what ever it had to offer those caught up in that particular moment in time.

He somehow knew deep down inside his mind that this could be the beginning of one life and the end of another, according to the situation at hand, both parties were now reliant on the minds of the doctors. Angie was playing the centre stage in this epic story. Only in this case, it wouldn’t be at the hands of some sick maniac, like Sally; but in the hands of the Gods this time.

Soon, in the darkness of the early winter morning, he was met at the entrance to the hospital, by a group of well trained nurses, with an awaiting trolley to take her the rest of the way to the delivery room.

Walking to the entrance of the A and E department, there was a sudden sharp reminder regarding his present situation as he found himself looking up to the stars as they had taken Angie away in a hurry. ‘If you can hear me God, don’t let her suffer if you intend on taking her from me at this point in time then let her go quickly’, he said to himself so as not to be heard; returning his car keys to his jacket pocket, he entered the building and walked down the well lit corridor to the reception area. There several people were sat waiting for their turn to get their medical help in that vast arena.

He began to remember how he felt when he first heard the truth of Angie’s situation; he had so wanted to smash the place up out of anger. Not because of the circumstances related to the results of the tests that she had undertaken, but it was a case of that, as written in a booklet he had been given back then with reference to her situation, all he could do was pray for a positive outcome to the situation. Still he knew there was nothing he could do to alter whatever was about to happen, instead he had to come to terms with the possible prospect of suddenly becoming a single parent, in charge of a baby, what ever sex it turned out to be.

The receptionist directed him to a room on the second floor where the delivery suite was and where Angie was being prepared for the arrival of the baby. He was met by the sound of several women having their babies in their own delivery rooms, however their yells still echoed through the corridors. A nurse led him to a room at the far end of the corridor where he found Angie in the preparation position and a midwife at hand to assist her in this special time leading up to the birth of his child, which by now was quite imminent.

He left the room briefly to get his mind around the situation, entering an empty room to one side he found himself in a waiting room with pastel green walls, where many a would be expectant dad had sat patiently awaiting for their respective offspring to arrive. A large wooden table greeted him with many old magazines strewn across its shiny surface; several empty ash trays also dotted its edge. Some still had remnants of ash in them and there was also an empty crumpled up cigarette packet lying abandoned on the white window sill. Steve found himself picking it up and tossing it into a rubbish bin at the end of a long bench.

He soon found himself staring longingly out of one of the many big windows that overlooked a vast garden area. There were several shrubs and a series of empty flower beds which encircled an area of well kept lawn, all were awaiting the arrival of spring and summer, when they would again be full of colour. Several people were walking the path heading for the building he found himself in. An empty red double decker bus edged along the main road beyond a wrought iron fence that briefly caught his eye.

The sounds of the hospital were now slowly drifting into another dimension, as Steve stared endlessly out of that window. He was trying to remember all the good times he had with Angie, over the short time he had come to know and love her. He desperately tried to believe that those good times had to have some sort of bearing on her fate.

Suddenly in the distance he heard the cry of a baby, opening his eyes he was greeted by a thin shaft of light spread out across the sky, just above a row of terraced houses and a small café and shops. It was as if God had drawn a white line right across it for fun or a sign of a new beginning. ‘I guess it’s true what they say’; he thought to himself then added quietly, ‘that the setting sun takes a life, but the rising sun gives life’.

The baby’s cries echoed in his ear as he was told by a nurse who arrived on the scene to inform him that it was alright for him to return to his wife’s bedside. Whereby on entering the well equipped room, he failed to notice the baby in a crib at the side of the bed, it was only when Angie smiled and gently turned her head in it’s direction, that he suddenly realised the truth.

What is it? he quietly asked, his eyes widened by the sight of this child, so small and wrapped tightly in a white hospital shawl. Silent now, the worst was over for her now, once she had taken her first breath of life. In Steve’s eyes it was like a miracle had transpired, from nothing came a new life, and in that one single moment in history, the whole future would change for ever in his own lifetime.

It’s a baby! Angie replied softly turning to look at the ceiling with a look of relief on her face mingled with an essence of joy too.

Yeah! Sure! Ha, ha! Very funny! I know it’s a baby you idiot; but what is it, a boy, or a girl? he jovially snapped back seeing the funny side of what should’ve been a serious situation.

It’s a girl just like we were told it was to be she uttered joyfully, then added informatively, you can tell everybody she was seven pounds four ounces at birth, assuming you are going to tell your family and friends, that is, she turned and reached out to place her hand on the edge of the crib, before saying softly, you can hold her if you want too babe, she won’t bite you.

A girl you say? He eagerly expressed as he reached down and gently touched her tiny hand. She is so small! He expressed with an awe of hidden excitement in his attitude, he went on to add, I can’t believe she is real and arrived so soon, she obviously wanted to come right now, she couldn’t wait, he crouched down to get a closer look at this wonderment in his life, before raising his head to look at Angie looking so radiant before enquiring joyfully. What are we going to call her?

I thought you wanted to name her after your late wife, Sally, she expressed woefully.

"That would be too corny, don’t you think", He replied with a puzzled look on his face.

Finding his feet again, he casually walked around the bed to be closer to Angie, taking her hand in his lovingly; he bent forward to give her a loving kiss on her forehead. I love you babe, and I’m proud of you too, he said softly in her ear.

Closing her tired eyes for a moment of time, to relax, she gave a heavy but joyful sigh of relief; she returned his loving words before adding calmly, tell me, what are we going to do about my problem that hasn’t vanished because of the baby?

We’ll cross that bridge when it comes babe, so stop yeh worrying… maybe him upstairs has given you a reprise, you know, a second chance, he replied softly, somehow trying to understand her anguish.

What are you talking about? she uttered soulfully.

Think about it babe! He exclaimed quickly then added, they can now work on sorting out this… you know… this thing inside your head, maybe, just maybe, they can get to work on it once and for all… who knows, they might even be able to give you another chance to live.

Yeah well! That’s a big maybe in my eyes, she replied staring up at the ceiling, deep in thought of her future, before turning again to look into Steve’s eyes, where she, somehow, sensed the fear and sadness in his tired state of mind and added sadly, I have to live with this nightmare don’t forget… not you… me… you must promise me you’ll take good care of our little girl, she will carry me inside her for a lifetime.

Clasping her hand in both of his, he said lovingly. In that case then babe, we should name our little girl Angel and if you do come out of this situation safely, due to her being born early, then she may have been the answer all along, who knows, only time will tell.

She gave a half-hearted smile of relief, closing her eyes for a moment, You know what I would wish for if I lived to see her grow up?

And what might that be babe? Steve stirred.

I would love to take her to see a pantomime, she sighed gently, looking into Steve’s eyes.

That is something we could do together, he replied calmly.

Be real Steve. I feel inside myself it will be you alone who will take her… ever since I was a little girl, I always wanted to go, but never did get the chance… still we can only but dream… can’t we… no we have to be realistic about this whole affair today… now, not tomorrow, or yesterday, but today. I have had to live with this frigging nightmare; what seems to be a lifetime and yet it exists for real inside my head; churning away at the very core of my meagre existence, all be it, so insignificant to the whole picture of life itself. Don’t you understand?

You are being so melodramatic now and it is scaring me babe, Steve found his feet.

Would you like a nice cup of tea sir? enquired the voice of a young female nurse who had entered the room with a warm smile on her face.

Steve just gave the hint of a smile, but had to say yes due to his tiredness from his ordeal.

Don’t worry Miss Philips, your tea is coming shortly, you deserve it… and by the way congratulations on the little girl she is beautiful, returned the nurse giving the baby a fleeting glance before leaving them to get their drinks.

Is the doctor going to come see me, nurse? Enquired a tired but inquisitive Angie who gently nudged the crib with her left hand.

I’ll find out for you… ok, she replied resourcefully.

Thank you nurse.

I think it’s time to make a few phone calls babe, you know… let the family in on the situation, don’t you think (Yes! You’d better, she uttered.) Ok, Steve expressed coolly, glancing briefly at his watch and adding sharply, Christ it’s eight thirty already where has the time gone? he then went on to enquire after the nurse for the use of a telephone, whereby she informed him that there was one at the end of the corridor.

The clock ticked over to ten minutes past ten, when Bob and Peta arrived on the scene, with Peta eager to get a glimpse of the baby, leaving Bob to talk to Steve alone.

Have you let the office know the situation? inquired a concerned Angie who was now sitting up in the bed a cup of tea in her hand.

Already done it babe, he replied cockily then went on to add, So don’t worry; they won’t miss me for a couple of days babe. Fancy a coffee bruv?

Sure, he replied as the two men left the girls to talk baby talk.

Peta placed some flowers on the edge of the bed along with a card in a pink envelope. Well honey it’s come at last, she smiled as she sat down on a comfortable chair at the side of the bed, how was it, very painful?

Not really… I’m just glad she is alright, she replied quietly.

Does she have a name yet or are you going to think about it some more? Peta enquired.

Steve and I have decided to name her Angel… well more like Steve felt it would be right, because he says she was a little miracle… still I had to agree because to me she is an angel, she smiled gently, then added informatively, she weighed seven pound four ounces… the nurses reckon they will have to monitor her for a while due to her being born early like she was.

Meanwhile:-

Steve found the canteen in an adjoining building where several nurses and a couple of doctors were in conversation over some breakfast, discussing a case they were probably working on, in a far corner of the vast arena with its many Formica tables in uniform position. An area was set aside with more comfortable chairs and low level tables mainly for drinking and chatting amongst colleagues in the hospital.

Congratulations bruv you’ll have yah time cut out for you now you know… now there’s a little one in tow.

I know that bruv but we have an even bigger problem at the moment… you know Angie’s problem, he said as they reached the counter, Two coffee’s please honey, he asked the young girl behind the counter, who in turn asked them, if they wanted cups, or mugs.

They simply replied, ‘mugs please’.

Finding a comfortable seat by one of the long windows that dominated the one wall and overlooked the vast car park that seemed to be filling as they sat. Once they were out of the way of anybody near by.

Steve noticed a group of four nurses entering the establishment laughing amongst themselves, probably laughing over some incident the night before he thought as he stirred his coffee.

So bruv have they said anything about Angie’s situation yet? Bob enquired casually, stirring his coffee, having just put two spoonfuls of sugar in it.

Not yet, the doctor is due to see her soon so the nurse informed us earlier, he explained as he still stirred his coffee to the surprise of Bob who passed a comment to that effect of (‘you’ll wear a hole in that cup’) Sorry bruv I was miles away… (I can see that bruv, he intervened) . . . yeah well, its just that things are happening out of my control and it feels strange, all I can do is be a spectator in this case".

So bruv what’s new on the job front? Bob enquired as he sipped at his coffee carefully as it was still hot. Then he went on to ask inquisitively, You know, in the criminal world… no hard core crimes you’re involved in.

Not much… in fact it’s so quiet of late after the Carol Richard’s affair which was exciting I must say, still the quietness is rewarding in its own way.

I seem to have read in the local rag about a skeleton found in one of the locks on the river Lea.

Yeah I know, I was the investigating officer along with Detective Sergeant Fuller; nothing too serious, just some poor sod who accidentally fell into the river and got himself caught on the bottom of the lock gate… shame… not the sort of ending I would’ve fancied, I’ll tell you that for nothing.

Me neither bruv… just think of it. You could be minding your own business, without a care in the world and bang… you accidentally fall into the murky river. The thing is you could be the best swimmer in the world, but get caught up on something like that lock gate, and it’s good night old mate.

Mr Price! Inquired the voice of a doctor in his white coat and carrying a large folder under his arm, who had approached the pair of them from behind.

Actually, it’s Detective Chief Inspector Price, but Mr, will suffice, he smiled, replacing his mug onto the table before him.

I’m Doctor Stephanotis, he explained holding out his hand to shake Steve’s who obliged, and he then enquired politely, if he could join them. Steve agreed and he proceeded to sit in a chair opposite placing his folder onto the table.

So doctor, what’s this in aid of? Steve asked curiously.

I understand that Miss Philips has had the baby, which means we can get on with the job of sorting out this little problem of hers i.e., this brain tumour that’s causing some concern to everybody. What we would like to do as soon as possible is to go ahead and carry out a biopsy, so we can get some idea of what we are dealing with, assuming it is alright with the good lady, that is. He said calmly, gently rubbing his chin with his right hand and leaning back into the chair and crossed his legs.

So doc, what’s the MO then? Steve quizzed.

The MO you say, he returned curiously, but then conceded to understand his terminology, ah yes the MO, well, first things first, we’ll need to get an x-ray of the tumour to ascertain the extent of its growth to-date. It was about the size of a large pea before when we first diagnosed the condition so we’ll need to know what we are dealing with, only by doing a biopsy can we be sure of her condition.

So doc what will happen then? Bob intervened having listened quietly to the conversation.

What I think he means doc… Steve started to say.

Thank you! I do understand his line of questioning the doctor interrupted. Then carried on regardless. We will locate the culprit with the x-ray then once we have done that we’ll drill a hole in her head and drain off the fluid, then that will be sent off to be analyzed… all we can do is hope that it comes back benign.

What does that mean doc? Enquired Bob curiously.

Well! he uttered with just a mere hint of a smile then added openly, benign will mean it is nothing, just a blimp in the workings of the brain, we can then just keep an eye on it.

So she could live then doc, Steve replied joyfully.

Mm! you could say that Mr, Price, but we’ll just have to hope and pray that it will turn out that way, although the signs do seem promising… has she complained of head aches at any time recently? He quizzed. Reaching out to retrieve his folder and rising to his feet.

Not that I know of, is it important, Steve pursued carefully.

Lets just say it is promising on her part, he returned tucking the folder under his arm. Stopping briefly as he began to depart, he turned his head in Steve’s direction and said warmly with the tilt of his head, congratulations on a little girl, I am led to believe she came early this morning.

Thanks doc, Steve uttered and smiled half-heartedly.

That sounds interesting bruv, remarked a sombre Bob.

I think Angie might like that outcome, I know I would, Steve smiled as he downed the last of his coffee, She said only the other day she wanted to write granddad’s memoirs, she has got embroiled in reading it and compiling some notes on the subject, she won’t let me read it though… says, nobody can read it until it is complete.

That old thing, I know I read some of it, it was interesting, especially the part about him in the East End of London before and during the Second World War it must’ve been great knowing the gangs.

I wouldn’t know that, I haven’t had the chance to even look at it, Angie guards it with her life, so she says and I’m not about to change that, anyway bruv, I think we should return to the girls. I think we should treat them both to a nice cup of coffee each. Whatcha reckon? Steve said finding his feet.

Sounds good to me bruv, he replied then repeated it much quieter with a sigh of relief, I hate these places at the best of times, you know that. Steve just merely agreed and they left.

CHAPTER 3

T he first few days after the birth of little Angel the family was mostly involved in seeing Angie and the baby. Angie did have an x-ray as explained by the doctor and all they could do was wait for the results of that exercise.

Steve would close his eyes and pray for the outcome of the tests to be benign, for the sake of Angie, as forecasted by the doctor. Steve knew deep down inside his mind, he could only be a spectator in this instance with Angie being centre stage in this saga.

Angie insisted that he should return to his job and not to worry about her. Declaring that they, her and the baby were alright.

*     *     *     *

Wearing a light grey suit white shirt and a grey tie, he set off feeling distant, as if life wasn’t real all of a sudden and he was the only soul left on this planet

The temperature outside was dropping with a heavy frost in the morning and the thoughts of snow ebbing in the distance, threatening to cause disruption to the roads. A light early morning drizzle greeted his journey to his office on that first morning back at work after becoming a father.

There was a warm welcome when Steve entered the building in Romford, as he had done so on numerous occasions, but this time all the female officers couldn’t wait to hear the news of Angel’s sudden arrival.

Once at his desk it wasn’t long before Wendy entered the room with two cups of coffee on a tray.

Good morning Sergeant, Steve smiled at her fresh looking face, her hair done up in a ponytail, she was wearing a navy blue skirt and jacket over a white blouse.

Morning Gov, she returned politely placing the tray on his desk, I would like to say congratulations on the little one, a girl I believe. Is that right Gov?

Yeah! That’s right and before you ask, she was seven pound four ounces… ok, you may tell all the girlfriends that, he expressed jovially, then enquired, Has there been any new developments to date Sergeant?

Only that there was a message from the one you call the Major. He requests that you visit him at the Yard.

Any idea for what reason? Steve asked, taking his coffee in one hand as he leant back in his swivel chair.

None that we know of Gov, She replied then went on to add, wishing to change the subject to the new arrival on the scene, The Chief was glad to hear the news of the baby Gov, we all had a little wager on it’s weight.

Who won? Steve asked raising his eyebrows joyfully realising his good fortune was the centre stage of the office already.

P.C. Susan Jones in the uniform branch, if you are right, I’ll only be to glad to inform her of her good fortune, Wendy smiled.

Ok then, are there any new cases that we should be getting on with Sergeant, or do we just have a period of quietness that we have to contend with? Steve inquired inquisitively.

We still have this little matter regarding the stiff found in a multi story car park in Waltham Cross, she expressed.

Isn’t that the place where the skeletal remains of the guy that was found at the bottom of the lock? Steve enquired curiously, finding his feet he headed for his trusted window that over looked the highway, where a couple of red buses passed by heading for London.

The market place was already in full swing and occasionally you could make out the callings of the stall holders.

Yes Gov, she replied finding a seat in a lone chair that she pulled to the desk, she then added informatively, You mean the Simon Locke case.

That’s right Sergeant, he stirred, turning to lean on the window sill as he’d done so on many occasions, the Simon Locke case, surely that’s down to the local plod to deal with, he said returning to his chair where he placed both hands on its back.

Well there is the other case of the guy found dead in his car you as I said earlier the stiff they found in the…

Yes! Yes! I heard you the first time, so what do we know of that case. Again I’m sure that’s also down to the local mob in Hertford or even Enfield, surely they have the resources to deal with those cases. Steve explained feeling lost for words then enquired, nothing local then Sergeant?

Well the forensic lads are unsure at the moment as to how he died they say it might’ve been a heart attack but don’t rule out murder at this early stage. She explained as much as she was aware of due to the lack of information.

Well Sergeant we can declare that this Simon Locke met his end around the time of the world cup of nineteen sixty six when England beat West Germany.

Yeah four—two to England, so my dad told me, she grinned.

It was about then the phone rang startling the pair of them. Dam bloody phone, made me jump, good job I haven’t got a weak heart, He said, as he reached out to retrieve the offending piece of office equipment, before answering it with, Yes! Price, he paused for a second then went on to speak openly, ah Major I understand from my Sergeant that you wish to see me, is that correct?

Yes she would be correct in her statement Inspector, the Major replied diplomatically, then added with equal diplomacy, I’ll be with you in about an hours time… I take it that will be ok with you Inspector.

Yeah sure, Steve replied candidly then went on to add, any indication as to what it’s all about Major?

One hour from now, he simply replied before hanging up, leaving Steve with a puzzled look on his face, as he too replaced his receiver.

I wonder what that’s all about, Steve uttered as he took a sip of his warm coffee. Twiddling with his biro in his right hand.

I gather that was the Major Gov? Wendy enquired casually, then added curiously, maybe it could be new cases for you to deal with… you know something good for you to get your teeth into.

Who knows, you just may be right sergeant, we will just have to wait and see, won’t we eh, he smiled, before asking her if she fancied breakfast, before the Major would arrive and maybe upset the course of the day for the pair of them. I don’t think we’ll be dealing with another Carol Richards or gangland murder but we can only dream, he said, as they left the confines of his office, for the canteen. On the way he was bombarded with the gauntlet of congratulations, and questions of was it a girl, or boy Gov, mainly from the female officers keen to learn the outcome of his good fortune. Which was greeted by the immortal words from Star Trek i.e. ‘beam me up Scottie’, from a distraught Steve who only wanted to be left in peace.

The trauma of the birth and it’s aftermath still laid heavy on his mind, he was now feeling slightly strange about the affair. So a visit from the Major seemed daunting at the best of times, but in this case it might be a blessing in disguise, something to take his mind off things.

Finding a seat by the window of the canteen, which was his favourite place to sit and contemplate the future or solve a critical problem that might arise at any given time in a difficult case he could find himself getting embroiled in, he sat down to await his order.

Steve’s order of two eggs on toast and a mug of coffee were set out on the table by an elderly canteen assistant along with Wendy’s order of a ham roll and a coffee as they sat relaxed for a moment or two.

Doesn’t it worry you Gov, when you get a visit from the likes of the Major, you know the big chiefs? enquired Wendy as she stirred her coffee.

Nah, not really, he replied clasping his mug of coffee in both hands, his elbows resting on the edge of the table. Taking a sip of his coffee, It goes with the territory, he explained, then went on, What can he do, sack me… well… maybe not, or. Ugh… you never know he might give me a new case to solve, who knows. Mind you it’s usually an old case that he feels I could solve, that is, more to the point, It is just a case that, I’m the poor sod left to do the job in his eyes.

You seem destined to solve these old crimes Gov, commented Wendy as she set about eating her ham roll.

His colleague Police Sergeant Reg White in his pristine uniform, suddenly appeared on the scene, accompanied by a cup of tea, he approached Steve with well wishes for the baby.

So Reg do you have anything of interest for me today, Steve smiled, holding a piece of toast that he had dipped into his egg yolk, and then he added jokingly, no murders to report, no suspicious deaths for us to investigate?

Nothing unto order Inspector, he replied stopping at the end of the table, then added, well I say nothing, there was a suspicious death in Chadwell Heath, the locals said the girl was a drug addict anyway… the forensic reckons she died of hypothermia as it was cold the night she was found.

Yeah Gov, interrupted Wendy calmly, before adding, I remember looking at that incident, apparently, she was only fourteen years old, she went to the local school… the Warren secondary modern in Whalebone lane.

You’re right lass she was said to be a clever young girl with her life in front of her, according to the mother she wanted to be an actress, hardly the sort of person to want to end her life, especially at her youthful age.

So I gather we’re waiting on the forensic mob to come up with some answers, remarked Steve casually but showing some interest in the situation, as he munched on his toast. Adding after he swallowed the morsel, You haven’t heard why the Major is coming to see us Reg?

Nothing that I can put my finger on Inspector, so I can… ugh… only hazard a guess that it might… hum… you know, it might be something that’s out of our jurisdiction; you know, it might be another case like the Murder in the Red Jacket business but that’s only speculation on my part. Reg returned.

We can only dream Reg. Steve remarked thoughtfully.

I thought you had your time fixed on Angie and the kid, Reg returned before adding casually, I’d better get back to the front desk, I left a new recruit there, and I’d better go and check on her progress.

Ok Reg, catch you later. Steve politely replied, then returned to eating his eggs on toast.

I remember reading about that young lass. Wendy remarked openly then went on to say, It’s a bloody shame, so young as well, she said with an element of anger in her voice but continued to inform. I believe her name was Karen Walters and she was the eldest of four children.

So smarty pants whose heading the case? Steve enquired.

D.I. Roberts is working on it so I was told by one of the female P, C’s at the Chadwell Heath factory Gov She explained.

He is supposed to be good at his job, Steve explained then added, Any other words of wisdom.

I have been looking more into this Simon Locke case.

And! Steve exclaimed, between sips of his coffee.

Apparently, he was a close friend of one of the Baxter brothers, namely Joey Baxter, he is one of the good brothers, the others are Kevin, and David Baxter; oh yeh, there is also a sister Sally, she runs a beauty salon in Hertford. Apparently the family rejected the two older brothers, because they lived a life of crime. David held a grudge against his father and swore blind that one day he would get his revenge, but he never went through with his threat. He is now about to serve five years for armed robbery, other than that nothing else.

So, what do we know of Kevin Baxter then? Steve pursued calmly.

He runs a big syndicate in Enfield; they say he is like a godfather. But he’s clever, and has eluded the law for decades. She expressed knowingly.

What connection, if any, is there to the death of Simon Locke? Steve continued to delve into the wisdom of his Sergeant.

All we know is that Simon Locke was heading to his friends in Waltham Cross to go and watch the big football match, when something happened at or nearby to that lock gate, that would change the whole set of circumstances, she explained.

Do we know who lived in the lock keeper’s house at that time; it could be that they might know something? Steve quizzed.

If they did surely they would’ve reported it at the time and poor Simon wouldn’t have lain there for so long, she expressed.

It’s a good job the river authority decided to check the gates when they did or he’d be still there, you could say the poor sod never stopped moving even in death, how ironic, he remarked as he found his feet saying, I think we should be heading back to the office and prepare for the arrival of the Major, don’t you think, Sergeant.

She pouted her lips, yes Gov, was her simple reply as she replaced her empty coffee cup back on to the table to be collected by one of the counter staff as the trolley used to stack dirty dishes was full, she then added, would you like me to find out who did live in the lock keepers house on the river Lea?

Let’s find out what the Major wants first, it has to be something important, for him to venture into our neck of the woods.

It would be interesting to learn what brings the big wigs out from their little offices in the city, commented a more jovial Wendy.

Just go and find out who lived in that house as you so wished to do, Steve laughed as they left the canteen and headed back to his office but added, don’t worry Sergeant. I’ll let you in on the Major’s chat later, ok. With that they parted company leaving Steve to continue on his way back to his office and prepare to greet the Major.

*     *     *     *

Once there he removed his jacket which he neatly placed over the back of his office chair. He found himself peering longingly out of the window at the street below. His hands running slowly over the top of his radiator that was warm.

His mind was still heavily dwelling on the progress of Angie, as he was fully aware of her plight to live, she was now undergoing tests to discover the full extent of her problem, and maybe give hope to her future. Maybe the only problem she would need to face would be that of most new mothers, the health and welfare