Bedding Down

By Molly Garcia

When a homeless man is brutally murdered Adam, Sarah and the team are led into the world of rough sleepers. 

A dark secret from the past binds four men together, it made them walk away from their lives and families, now someone has found them and that someone will stop at nothing to make them pay.

There's nowhere left to hide.............. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Molly Garcia
• Release date: Nov 11, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215241813

Molly Garcia

Molly Garcia lives in Spain with her partner of over 30 years, they have two grown-up children. Molly has worked in social care and the NHS since 1991 and uses her experiences to guide her writing and to create complex and realistic characters and backgrounds 

Book preview

Prologue

The Sandwich Man

It was early Spring and there was still a nip to the air when the sun went down, the sky was clear, and the moon was bright enough to illuminate the doorway that Colin was getting ready to bed down in. He’d used this spot before because it was far enough off the high street to avoid run ins with drunk revellers returning home from the pubs, clubs and bars but close enough to town that he didn’t have to lug his bags too far.

When the weather started to warm up Colin planned to gravitate to the local woods like a few other of the entrenched rough sleepers he knew. He enjoyed the Summers, him and the other three homeless in the group made a camp and stayed until the locals came across them and complained to the police and the council. They’d pool their drinks and food together and no-one would go without, they were like a little community of outcasts that society had long since thrown away.

Colin was known among the other rough sleepers and the community as the sandwich man due to his ability to collect a large number of butties from local businesses. He’d then lug them about in an old supermarket basket and share his spoils with his friends. Colin’s grizzled face sagged around his toothless mouth, his grey/green eyes were sunk into his head and his grey beard was tangled and matted. People passing Colin in the street would look the other way as he shuffled past wearing layers of clothes and shoes with the soles coming away, Colin didn’t care, he’d long ago given up on the idea of being part of society again. Not that it stopped the outreach workers, they’d visit him regularly at whatever spot he’d bedded down in and try and talk him into applying to some housing scheme or other. Colin didn’t fancy it, too many rules and he no longer yearned to be under a roof and in one place, when it got too cold, he’d make use of the winter shelters but mostly he was contented to sleep out where he could drink his tins of cider in peace.

Colin pulled out his sleeping bag, it was brand new, a gift from the latest outreach worker, thick and well padded it was one of the best he’d ever had, and Colin was looking forward to his first night snuggled up in it. With the cardboard in place and his bags neatly stashed at the back of the doorway and his sleeping bag laid out he was ready for settling down, he just needed to get one of his tins out ready. Colin bent over his carrier bag but before he could get hold of a can he stopped and cocked his head, his ears so attuned to the night sounds in his favourite spot he knew he was hearing something out of the ordinary.

Whose there? Colin barked roughly, sounding as though you could handle yourself was in the top five rules of surviving the streets. There was no reply, but Colin could hear footsteps, he knew it wasn’t any of the other rough sleepers, he could identify that the owner of these footsteps were wearing hard soled shoes. No rough sleeper would walk around in those, too uncomfortable for the long periods spent walking the streets with their belongings.

Colin narrowed his eyes and sighed, it had been a long while since he’d had bother at night from anyone, he usually knew where to go to avoid it, he dug into his rucksack looking for his pocketknife. The bag was stained and worn and not all the clips did up anymore, but it did the job for Colin, if that outreach worker kept her promise and bought him a new one, he’d gladly swap over but for now it would do.

Where was that knife? He was sure he’d used it the other night to cut up an apple, it should be fairly near the top, Colin dug deeper being careful when he felt around for it in case, he cut himself. The footsteps sounded as though the owner was trying to be quieter not realising it was too late and Colin had heard them already. Colin decided to turn round, even without the knife he was sure that if he was aggressive enough whoever had come to disturb his peace would go without giving him too much bother. It usually worked.

Colin hadn’t finished turning round before a sharp punch landed in his kidneys knocking all the wind out of him, he bent over trying to catch a breath which was when he felt the sharp pain of a knife sliding into his lower back. Where is he? a voice hissed, and Colin tried to get back upright but his body felt numb, and his legs collapsed under him. He slumped onto the dirty, cold concrete floor lying there among the discarded takeaway containers, bottles, cans and butts. Colin’s last coherent thought was that he wondered how they’d found him after all this time.

Chapter 1

The girl was wearing a black beanie hat over her long, shiny blonde hair, she was dressed for the chill of the evening in ripped black jeans and an oversized green hoodie and on her feet were a pair of sturdy, fur lined boots. She was sat on the kerb, her head in her hands and her shoulders shaking with sobs. Carpy pointed her out to Adam That’s Christie Smith, she’s an outreach worker for PHA which stands for Peterside Homeless Action, a charity that supports rough sleepers into accommodation. Christie had been working with our victim for a few weeks, trying to build up enough trust to get him to agree to move off the streets. She felt she was getting there; she gave him a sleeping bag the night before and was going to meet up with him to give him a new rucksack tonight. Christie knows his usual haunts and where to find him. When she came round the corner and saw him slumped on the floor, she thought he was just intoxicated, it wasn’t until she got closer that she saw the blood and realised he was dead. She called 999 and here we all are.

Adam could see Polly was working the scene, collecting evidence and taking photos and Flip, the pathologist was dealing with the body behind an evidence tent that would shield the victim from prying eyes and protect the evidence from contamination.

He decided that he’d go and have a chat with the outreach worker first and by then hopefully Polly or Flip would have some updates for him. When he reached her side Christie looked up, her blue eyes were misted with tears and red rimmed, her pale face flushed and blotchy. Christie sniffed why would anyone do this to Colin? Adam patted her shoulder It must have been a terrible shock to find him like that? Could you talk me through how you came to be here please?

Christie took a shaky breath I work for PHA 3 nights a week, I started about 6 months ago and for the last 3 months I’ve been trying to build a rapport with Colin, ultimately I really want to get him into accommodation Christie sniffed again Sorry, wanted to.... She trailed off and a tear ran down her face onto her hoodie. Colin could be gruff, but he wasn’t aggressive or rude, he was so grateful for his new sleeping bag, and I couldn’t wait to see his face when I gave him the rucksack, I’d managed to get for him Christie looked over towards the crime scene I dropped it when I found him so apparently it’s evidence now

Adam nodded We’ll need to keep hold of anything that’s been in contact with Colin I’m afraid

Christie nodded Such a shame too, it’s a rare item to get and so many of our guys would make good use of it

Once it’s cleared, we’ll make sure it gets back to your organisation Adam turned the conversation back to the case What do you know about Colin? Christie smiled faintly Colin wasn’t very open about his past; he’s been known as homeless around the area for about 10 years. Colin liked a drink; I’d suspect he was alcohol dependent, but no-one knew him well enough to be sure. He had a small group of other rough sleepers he sometimes drank with, and they’d all sleep up in the woods in the Summer. They’d set up a little camp there together using tents they’d get from the community donations or scrounged out of the bins. Apart from those guys he kept to himself, if the weather got cold enough, he’d go into one of the no questions asked cold weather shelters for a night or two but mostly he preferred being out on the streets. Adam nodded Do you know where we’d find any of the other guys? They might know more about him?

Christie shrugged to be honest it’s unlikely that he shared much with them or them with him, all of his crowd are the older, entrenched rough sleepers, the ones that are the most challenging to reach Christie stretched her legs out and rubbed her knee There’s 3 of them you’ll need to speak to, Martin, Paul and Chris, they usually stick together, this time of year I’d say they’d all be using the day centre. It’s based in the church hall, and they provide hot meals, showers, laundry facilities and for those who want it someone who will support them to approach the local housing. Those three tend to just go for a bite to eat and a chance to dry off their belongings and catch a nap somewhere safe and warm

Carpy had caught sight of Big Bill skulking around near the crime scene, he waved a greeting to him, and Big Bill’s curiosity won over his natural instinct to avoid the police when he was in plain sight of others. Big Bill was the unofficial regulator of the rough sleeping community, he knew all the regulars and watched out for the newbies. He wasn’t averse to helping Carpy out from time to time especially if he thought it was in the best interests of someone vulnerable who’d found themselves out on the streets.

Big Bill grinned, his teeth surprisingly white in his dirt streaked, craggy face, Big Bill had a wild mane of grey hair that curled around his broad shoulders and he was fond of telling Carpy that it used to be as black as soot. His unruly grey beard had recently had a bit of a trim, so Bill looked slightly smarter than usual.

Carpy smiled back, he was fond of Big Bill Hey there Bill Carpy called cheerily Fancy a bacon sandwich and a coffee on me?

Big Bill nodded Never say no to a breakfast bought and paid for by the boys in blue they walked towards Buns and Stuff the café favoured by the constabulary, the waitress looked put out at Carpy’s companion, but she served them efficiently if without her usual friendliness. Big Bill watched her go back to the counter to pass their order to the kitchen this isn’t an establishment that welcomes my kind Carpy frowned Not sure why they should care so long as you’re buying something? Big Bill smiled sadly Those rules are for the likes of you, if you wanted to sit here for two hours nursing a cup of coffee it wouldn’t be a problem but if I wanted to get out of the cold for the same amount of time with the same coffee, they’d chuck me out

Carpy shook his head Any time you need a place to sit for a bit let me know and I’m happy to make sure your treated like a customer should be

I actually think you mean that Carpy Big Bill shook his head, his grey curls bouncing around his face. The waitress returned with the order, Carpy’s plate and cup were delivered to him carefully, but Bill’s were slammed down with slightly more force than was needed causing some of the coffee to slop onto the table. Bill kept his gaze on his sandwich and didn’t react, but Carpy glared at the young girl Could you fetch a cloth please and wipe up that mess you’ve made on our table? I’m not sure why you felt it was necessary to bang my friend’s cup down like that. Maybe you should get him another coffee on the house? The young girl pursed her lips Your friend? she asked scornfully Since when was a copper friends with a hobo? Carpy felt his temper rise Don’t call him that. Is the manager here? I think I’d like a word The young girl narrowed her eyes and huffed Fine. I’ll tell him to come over when he's free With a final glare at Bill she flounced off back behind the counter and disappeared into the kitchen. Big Bill chuckled That was entertaining. I appreciate the intention Carpy but you won’t change attitudes like her’s. The manager might pretend to give a shit just because he won’t want to lose your custom but in reality, he’d rather the likes of me didn’t come anywhere near his café.

Carpy took a large bite out of his sandwich and urged Big Bill to do the same Eat up then Bill and when you’ve got a full stomach you might feel inclined to help me out Big Bill didn’t need asking twice and made short work of the sandwich before slurping down half of his mug of coffee once he’d sweetened it with four sugars. So, what happened Carpy? I’ve heard it’s one of my guys?

Carpy nodded I’m afraid so, a chap called Colin, apparently he was known by the nickname The Sandwich Man Bill paled and his hand trembled as he put his mug down on the table Colin? Why would anyone hurt, let alone murder, Colin?

That’s what we’re going to need to find out, any ideas that might help? The outreach girl said he had three close mates that he’d camp out with in the Summer?

Big Bill shook his head sadly Poor Colin, nice bloke, bit grumpy at times, kept to himself but he wasn’t any bother to anyone. He’d collect as many sandwiches as he could every day and then hand them out to the other rough sleepers, hence the nickname.

No enemies or anyone he’d upset recently?

He wasn’t known for falling out with anyone, even when he’d had a drink he’d just slope off and get his head down, some of our guys can get a bit lairy but not Colin Carpy nodded What about those mates of his? Any of them known to get out of hand?

Big Bill shrugged Paul, Martin and Chris. Chris is known to get argumentative, and he’s had a few fights with other rough sleepers before when they’ve all had a few tins too many. Martin can get frightened easily, no-one knows for sure, but we all think he has schizophrenia, he can be paranoid and responds to voices only he can hear. Paul is a quiet one, rarely speaks to anyone. I’d guess he has special needs

Carpy made a few notes, without last names he’d struggle to look them up on the system but hopefully this day centre would have taken down full names at some point.

Just as Bill gulped down the last of his coffee a skinny man in his early thirties, wearing brown trousers held up by braces and a mustard yellow shirt came over to the table. His clothes and neatly trimmed goatie and twirled 1920s moustache marked him out as a hipster. I’m the manager, you asked to speak to me?

Carpy pointed at the coffee stain still sitting on the table Your waitress banged my friend’s cup down so hard it spilled, we asked her to come back with a cloth to clean it up and she hasn’t bothered

The man peered at the coffee spill and plastered a sickly smile on his face Oh dear, I am sorry gentlemen he studiously avoided looking at Big Bill and aimed all of his attention at Carpy who raised an eyebrow. I got the impression that my friend isn’t welcome here? The manager managed another fake smile and shook his head I don’t think we were aware he was a friend of yours, of course now that we do know we would always welcome his custom

That’s good to hear, it would be a great shame if myself and my colleagues had to find another place to meet up when this one is so convenient for us

The manager blanched we would most certainly miss your custom The manager pulled a cloth out of his belt and quickly wiped away the coffee stain Please accept my apologies, I can promise this won’t happen again The manager scuttled away towards the back of the café

Big Bill chuckled I certainly enjoyed that so thank you Carpy, it’s not often anyone sticks up for any of us, so I very much appreciate it

Carpy smiled at him your very welcome mate, if that’s a small taste of what you contend with day to day, I’m glad to play a small part in making things better.

Chapter 2

The day centre was set up in the older hall with the newer one being used for the regular activities such as playgroups and church meetings. The room was clean but looked tired and in need of some TLC. Much like its patrons, Adam thought as him and Carpy walked across the hall. They were headed towards the harassed looking middle-aged woman holding a clipboard and trying to herd a group of men towards some chairs around her desk. The men kept skirting around her as she flapped her hands and pointed to some papers on the table.

Adam held out his warrant card when she looked up and then introduced himself and Carpy.  The group of men audibly sighed with relief that the woman’s attention was now elsewhere and sloped off across the room. The woman shrugged her shoulders philosophically and put the clipboard down I’ll have another go with them later and you never know I might get one or two to engage with me she held out her hand I’m Sal and I’m one of the volunteers, how can I help you today? I hope none of our guys have done anything too awful?

Do you know Colin? Apparently, he was mostly known by the nickname the sandwich man Sal nodded He wasn’t a regular but when it was especially cold or wet, he might spend a couple of hours here, he liked to keep to himself mostly. Is he okay?

Adam shook his head I’m very sorry but Colin died last night. We have the names of the three guys he hung around with and we were hoping you could help us locate them? Sal paled and collapsed back into the seat behind her shaking her head sadly Paul, Martin and Chris, in fact Martin is here at the moment. Sal pointed discretely to a tall, emaciated looking man pacing up and down the side of the room muttering to himself Martin often comes here when the voices are distressing him, we give him his space and try and encourage him to eat. Then, when he feels a bit more settled, he’ll just up and leave until the next time. Chris is usually not far away if Martin is here. Sal shook her head sadly The poor man is tormented by his voices, we’ve tried to get him some help, but the policy seems to be that if someone is using drugs or alcohol to self-medicate then the mental health team won’t get involved. Of course, it just becomes a cycle of him continuing to self-medicate because his mental health isn’t treated and then because he does no-one will treat him.

Carpy sighed, as a uniform he’d often attended incidents with people who were mentally ill and couldn’t access treatment and it was then left to the police to intervene when it became a risk to themselves or others. Have there been any incidents with Martin when he’s been here? Carpy asked, Sal nodded there’s been a few occasions when he’s become so agitated that we’ve been concerned about his safety and that of others. We usually call an ambulance but if he refuses to go with them and they think he’s got capacity they’ll say there’s nothing they can do Sal saw the look that the two officers exchanged I know, in this day and age you’d think that mental health would have some parity with physical health, if Martin was having a heart attack or he’d broken his leg there’d be no debate about fixing it but because it’s mental health it suddenly becomes something that’s left to get worse.

Martin’s long legs had covered the small area rapidly, so he spun around at the wall and headed back on the same route as he walked he was waving his hands animatedly and his voice was rising in volume. The other service users in the room gave him a wide berth as they went about their various tasks, some were emptying black bags of items into washing machines whilst others were lined up by the hatch across the room collecting bowls of food and hunks of bread. Around a long table protected by a wipeable tablecloth sat groups of men and women of various ages, all were spooning food quickly into eager mouths and dunking bread into the bowls wiping up the last of the hot food. A few turned around to look warily at Martin as he became increasingly agitated, but most ignored him.

Adam pulled out his mobile and moving away from the others pressed the contact he thought would be the most helpful right now.

Dr Helen Tawney observed Martin for a while before approaching him, she walked over quietly but made sure he could see her approach so as not to alarm him. He stopped pacing but continued to flutter his hands and mutter under his breath. Helen waited until his eyes stopped zipping around the room and focused on her before she introduced herself at which Martin stepped backwards, and his eyes widened with fear. No hospital he whispered, wringing his