A Step Away from Dying

By Patricia Bevin

Barbara Philips took her eyes off her eight-year-old son Michael for mere moments before he vanished without a trace.

Newly assigned to Michael’s case, Detective Inspector Richard Johnson and Sergeant Jackie Trott soon tackle a second disappearance: a missing nineteen-year-old boy.

As evidence intertwines the fate of both missing youths, police attentions turn towards Mereford Primary School where dark secrets lurk beneath the surface. Tensions mount as the investigation inches closer to exposing buried wrongdoings. Will police connect all dots before tragedy strikes again? Or have dangerous games already bred irrevocable harm?

Johnson and Trott race the clock to unmask the threat hiding in plain sight, capture the perpetrator, and hopefully recover Michael still alive. Yet someone covertly thwarts their progress, willing to do whatever it takes to keep concealed these school grounds’ sinister secrets, lies, and escalating body count.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley Publishers
• Release date: Mar 28, 2024
• ISBN: 9781035805235

Patricia Bevin

Patricia Bevin was born and raised in Northamptonshire where she still lives. She is married to Keith and has three grown up sons and two young grandsons. In 1977, she qualified as a state-registered nurse. Apart from breaks to have her children she has spent her working life in nursing homes where she was a registered manager for over thirty years until her retirement in 2021. She has always been an avid reader of crime novels. This is her fourth novel.

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About the Author

Patricia Bevin was born and raised in Northamptonshire where she still lives. She is married to Keith and has three grown up sons and two young grandsons.

In 1977, she qualified as a state-registered nurse. Apart from breaks to have her children she has spent her working life in nursing homes where she was a registered manager for over thirty years until her retirement in 2021.

She has always been an avid reader of crime novels. This is her fourth novel.

Dedication

To Mum and Dad who sadly never got to see my books in print.

Copyright Information ©

Patricia Bevin 2024

The right of Patricia Bevin to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by the author in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers.

Any person who commits any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

A CIP catalogue record for this title is available from the British Library.

ISBN 9781035805228 (Paperback)

ISBN 9781035805235 (ePub e-book)

www.austinmacauley.com

First Published 2024

Austin Macauley Publishers Ltd®

1 Canada Square

Canary Wharf

London

E14 5AA

Acknowledgement

Thank you to my husband, Keith, for his tremendous support, and to my two proofreaders, Lynsan and Chris, both of whom read my books before I send them off to my publisher.

Thank you to my publishers, Austin Macauley Publishers, for their invaluable feedback and support.

Chapter One

It was Saturday afternoon and the supermarket was busy. Barbara was rushing as it was nearly four o’clock and she needed to get home as soon as she could, to feed her six-month-old baby Harry who was starting to grizzle. She had her hands full pushing a trolley full of food and household supplies whilst having her three children with her. Her husband Simon was at a football match with his friend Alfie. He usually came shopping with her but this morning, Alfie had rung at twelve and asked Simon to go with him to the match as his cousin couldn’t make it at the last moment, so the ticket was going spare. He had turned to Barbara with raised eyebrows and told her about Alfie’s request. Go on then, she’d replied with a smile, I know you want to go. Simon told Alfie he would go with him but asked if he could pick him up as Barbara needed the car for shopping.

I can manage the shopping, she said with a sigh. But it is hard with three children in tow. She was thirty-six and permanently tired. She had coped well with two children but Harry had been somewhat of a surprise when she had discovered she was expecting him. He didn’t sleep well and she got up to him at least twice in a night. Simon, to give him his due, took his turns at the weekend but he needed a good night’s sleep during the week. He was an architect and needed My wits about me, he told her. One wrong pen line on an architectural drawing would cost me my reputation and the firm a lot of money!

Simon suggested they go shopping tomorrow instead when he would be able to accompany her. No, I’ll manage, I need nappies and I promised Mia and Michael they could have fish fingers for tea tonight and I don’t have any in the freezer.

Alfie had picked Simon up at one o’clock and by the time Barbara had the children ready after giving them lunch, it was getting on for half-past two. She quickly combed her shoulder length fair hair and applied a stroke of pink lipstick. That’ll do! she said to her reflection with a grin. She then strapped all three of them in the back of the car and drove to Sainsbury’s which was situated on the outskirts of the town.

She was now heading towards the checkout to pay for her shopping. Harry was still grizzling and six-year-old Mia and eight-year-old Michael were standing behind her. She started packing the food into bags and trying to placate Harry in the trolley baby seat who was about to turn his grizzle into a full-blown cry. She paid for her shopping and turned to Mia and Michael. She could only see Mia and asked where Michael was. Mia turned around and said he had gone to look at the sweets on display at another checkout. Barbara looked over and said she couldn’t see him. She looked at the one on her other side and couldn’t see him. Michael! she called but he didn’t appear. Mia went to stand at the trolley. A man said that the better sweets were on the checkout down there, she said pointing to one lower down the shop. What and he went with him? Barbara cried. An elderly man joined the checkout queue starting to tutting saying she was holding them up.

My son is missing, Barbara told him starting to panic. He was here a moment ago. Did you see where he went? The man said he had only just come to the checkout.

The checkout lady stood up and looked down the shop at the other checkouts. I can’t see a young boy. How old is he?

Eight, replied Barbara with her heart beating fast. He’s only eight. He shouldn’t wander off.

Harry was crying loudly now, so Barbara picked him up out of the trolley, hugged and jiggled him. She didn’t know what to do. She looked all around her. The checkout lady said she would ring for someone. A minute later, a suited man arrived whose name badge read Andrew Wells the manager, and Barbara quickly explained that her eight-year-old son Michael was missing. Mia started crying, so Barbara put her arm around her while still jiggling a crying Harry. The manager said he would alert security. Barbara stood with Harry and Mia to one side, so the checkout lady could serve the elderly shopper who had been annoyed at being held up.

The security man arrived. He was tall and in a dark uniform with the word SECURITY written over his left-hand shirt pocket and suggested Barbara and the children go to his office while he put a message on the tannoy system. He asked for Michael’s surname.

Barbara followed him into an office looking around as they went. The office had a desk and two chairs. A larger poster on the wall behind the desk said it would not tolerate shop lifters and would always prosecute. She sat down with a quieter Harry in her arms and a tearful Mia holding on to her arm. She could hear the tannoy announcement. If there is an eight-year-old boy called Michael Phillips in the store, could you please go to any checkout and say your name so we can get your mother to collect you. If anyone in the store has seen him, please come to the customer services office.

The announcement was repeated twice. What is he wearing? the security man who said his name was Ted, asked. Barbara replied, A red superman T-shirt and blue shorts. He’s not very tall, has blonde hair and a mole behind his left ear.

No one came forward. Another tannoy announcement was made. Michael is blonde-haired, eight and wearing a red superman T-shirt and blue shorts. If anyone has seen him, please come to the customer services.

Barbara started crying saying, Where on earth would he have gone? We have drummed into him never to go off with someone he doesn’t know.

The security man said he would ring the police. Barbara said to Mia, What did this man look like who told Michael the sweets were better at another checkout?

He was just a man, Mummy. I think he knows Michael because he called him Michael.

But what did he look like? What was he wearing? How old did he look? Do you know him?

Mia started sobbing and said she didn’t know. Will Michael come back to us? We are going to play a game when we go home and I know he wants fish fingers for tea.

Forget the game and fish fingers, I need to know where he is, Barbara said with tears streaming down her face.

The security man asked if he could ring anyone.

My husband, Simon. He’s gone to a football match. I will ring him. She got her phone out and dialled his number. Simon answered and said it had been a great match and was on his way home. Barbara tearfully explained she was still at the supermarket and Michael was missing.

What do you mean, missing?

Barbara explained and Simon said he would get Alfie to drop him off at Sainsbury’s.

It will be about half an hour, so he should have been found by then, said Simon but with a catch in his voice.

The supermarket manager and security guard gave Barbara a cup of tea. He can’t have gone far, the security guard said. She sat with the now asleep Harry on her lap and Mia standing by her. The manager said he had asked several staff to look around the car park to see if they could see Michael. He may have become disorientated if he went to another checkout and then couldn’t find the one where you were.

Do you have CCTV? Barbara suddenly asked.

The manager replied that yes they have it at the shops entrance and over the checkouts. Can you check if you can see Michael on it? The manager asked the security man.

The security man went off saying he would check.

He came back within ten minutes saying there was no sighting of Michael except when he was standing with Mia behind Barbara while she was at the checkout. The manager had now called the police who arrived a few minutes after Simon. He had rushed in the store and asked for the customer service office. He saw Barbara sitting there with Harry. Mia rushed at Simon crying, Daddy, Daddy. He picked her up. She started crying again saying if Michael didn’t come home then he would miss his fish fingers and they were his favourite tea.

Simon asked if there was any news. Nothing, whispered Barbara. The police are on their way.

The security guard appeared and said the staff had looked over the car park but hadn’t seen any young boy wandering around that matched Michael’s description.

Simon asked, What about the rear entrance here?

The manager said there were rear entrances where deliveries were dropped and surplus supplies were stored. There’s no CCTV there though.

Have they been checked to see whether Michael wandered in there?

The manager sent the security man to check.

The police arrived and introduced themselves as DI Richard Johnson and WPC Elaine King.

DI Johnson asked Barbara to tell them exactly what had happened. Barbara told them about being at the checkout and packing her shopping. Harry was grizzling, so I was trying to hurry. Mia and Michael were behind me, or so I thought. I turned round and realised Michael wasn’t there. I asked Mia and she said a man told Michael that there were some better sweets at another checkout. She said he went with him, she said burying her head in her hands.

WPC King looked at Mia who was still being held by Simon. "Mia, this is very important. What did the man who told Michael about the sweets look like?"

I don’t know, said Mia. He was just a man like Daddy and you, as she pointed to DI Johnson.

DI Johnson looked at Simon. Do you mean he was tall with dark hair?

I think so but I don’t really know.

Had you seen him before, Mia?

I don’t know.

Where had you seen him before?

I think it was at school but I don’t really know, replied Mia burying her face in Simon’s shoulder. Barbara said she and Michael went to Mereford Primary School.

DI Johnson asked whereabouts at school had he seen the man. Is he a teacher or was he waiting outside the gates when children come out after school?

I can’t remember.

Simon lifted her head and asked her to think. Was he where Mummy waits when she comes to pick you up after school?

He was with a lady with a red dress but I don’t know if it was at the school gates.

DI Johnson quickly said, So, he had a lady with him when you saw him. Was this recently?

Simon said, If she saw them at the school, don’t forget it’s been half term for the last week unfortunately, which is a long time for her to remember. She’s only six.

Barbara lifted a tear-stained face. "Please remember, Mia. This man and lady could have Michael."

I can’t remember. Will he be home for his tea? Mia asked.

Barbara started crying again. DI Johnson said he would collect the CCTV and take it to the station to be scrutinised by experts. We will put out an appeal on the evening news and I will arrange for officers to search all areas around the supermarket. He turned his back and spoke into his radio. DI Johnson suggested that Barbara and Simon take Mia and Harry home. "We will find Michael," he told them firmly.

What can I do to help? I want to join in the search, said Simon putting Mia down.

DI Johnson said it would be best to leave it to the police. I will have plenty of officers looking for Michael. They will search every single area of the store and surrounding outside areas. You need to go home. I will arrange for a family liaison officer to meet you there.

What’s one of them? Barbara asked.

It’s a specially trained police officer who will be the link between you and the police and will be with you every step of the way in finding Michael. They will answer any questions you may have and will also keep you up to date with any developments.

The manager and security guard said if there was anything else they could do then please let them know.

Simon and Barbara collected their trolley of shopping, stacked it in the boot and settled the children into their car seats. Harry had woken up properly and was crying loudly.

Simon drove them home. I just want Michael, sobbed Barbara, The police will soon find him, said Simon mentally crossing his fingers. What a nightmare, this only happens to other people, not us.

Chapter Two

Drink your orange juice up, Michael.

I want to go home. Mummy said we can have fish fingers for tea. It’s Mia’s and my favourite tea and Harry will miss me playing with him.

They said you can stay with us for a while. Your mummy has her hands full with Mia and Harry.

But she doesn’t mind having me as well. I’m a good boy usually. I do fight with Mia sometimes and Harry cries a lot but Mummy doesn’t mind.

Your mummy needs a rest. You mustn’t be selfish. Having just two children will make her life much easier.

What are your names?

You can call us Frankie and Martin.

I don’t usually call grownups by their first names.

It’s what you can call us.

Michael finished his orange juice. How long am I staying with you for? I can’t stay too long because I go to bed at seven o’clock.

You can sleep here. We have a bedroom all ready for you. There’s a Superman cover on your bed and some toys for you to play with. I think you will like it here.

But I like my own bedroom at my house.

This bedroom is much better than yours. Now, shall we have fish fingers for tea?

Michael said he would like that as he was hungry but he started yawning and said he was feeling very tired.

I think it’s time for you to have a rest in your bedroom. I will carry you upstairs now.

Michael was asleep before they reached the bedroom.

He was gently laid on the bed and covered with the Superman duvet.

They went out after closing the bedroom door.

The family liaison officer was called Sergeant Jackie Trott. She was dark haired and in her early thirties and appeared calm and caring. She said that she would be with them for as long as they needed her. She assured them she was also an experienced police officer.

While Simon put the shopping away, Barbara sat down and fed Harry his bottle of milk. She told Mia she would cook her fish fingers in a while. Simon finished putting the shopping away. He stood in the kitchen and put his head in his hands. Alone, he allowed himself some tears. He needed to be strong for Barbara.

He needed to ring his parents to tell them what had happened. His mobile phone suddenly rang and he quickly snatched it from his pocket. It was Alfie asking if there was any news.

None at all. The police are looking but as yet there is no sign. It’s a bloody nightmare.

Alfie offered to come round but Simon said it wasn’t necessary. He said they had a police family liaison officer with them and there would be an appeal on the news. The police are searching for him.

Alfie said if there was any way he and his wife Liz could help then please let them know. Thanks, mate, I will do, replied Simon as ended the call.

Mia came into the kitchen saying she was hungry and could Daddy cook the fish fingers as Mummy was still feeding Harry. Save some for Michael as he will be hungry when he comes home.

I will, said Simon with a heavy heart. He opened the freezer and took four fish fingers from the packet of ten and put them on a baking tray with some oven chips. He returned the other six in the freezer and hoped he would be cooking them for Michael soon.

He went into the lounge where Jackie was and Barbara was trying to bring Harry’s wind up. I’ve put fish fingers and chips in the oven, he told her. Can I get you anything?

Yes, you can. I want Michael, she replied with tears in her eyes. Where is he, Simon?

I wish I knew but the police are looking for him. I’m sure they will find him soon.

Jackie said that the police are doing everything they can. Their appeal will be on the news shortly. Someone is bound to have seen him.

Simon switched the television onto the news. He sat down by Barbara and Harry. After some inconsequential government news, they saw DI Johnson being interviewed. If anyone has seen Michael, please get in touch. He is eight years old, blonde-haired and wearing a red superman top and blue shorts. He went on to give the time he was last seen in the supermarket. If anyone is holding him, then either tell us where he is or alternatively leave him in a place where we can find him to take him home to his extremely distressed parents.

Barbara burst into tears and said, Someone must know where he is.

Simon took Harry from her and hugged him. He will be home soon, he said looking at Jackie.

Jackie replied, Having this appeal so quickly should jog people’s memories.

Harry had fallen asleep, so Barbara took him upstairs. She changed his nappy and laid him in his cot. He snuffled a bit, wriggled and raised his arms above his head, the way he always did when he slept. Barbara looked at him with tears in her eyes remembering that Michael had slept the same way when he was Harry’s age.

She leant down, kissed him and went back downstairs.

Mia was at the kitchen table ready to eat. Barbara checked the fish fingers and chips in the oven. They were ready so she dished them up. I want Michael, said Mia. I don’t like eating without him.

Barbara said he would be back soon. People are looking for him. Are you sure you can’t remember what the man looked like?

I can’t remember, said Mia spearing a chip. Barbara said, Eat up and then come into the lounge.

The doorbell went so she rushed to answer it. DI Johnson stood there. No news yet, he said as she let him in. We are still searching the areas around the supermarket and hopefully the news appeal will alert someone.

She took him into the lounge where Simon and Jackie were talking quietly. They looked up but DI Johnson shook his head, Nothing yet.

Jackie asked if she could make them all a drink. Barbara looked at her. "What, a nice cup of tea to make us feel better? She started crying again. Simon put his arm around her. She’s only trying to help."

Barbara apologised to Jackie and said she would have a drink. Jackie got up and went into the kitchen. She looked at Mia who was eating her tea. She smiled at her and asked if she had enjoyed it. Not really. I want Michael here with me. We always eat our tea together. It doesn’t taste the same without him.

Jackie filled the kettle and switched it on. She found four mugs in a cupboard and the tea bags.

Have you remembered what the man looked like yet? she asked Mia.

Mia said she couldn’t remember. Do you remember where you have seen him or the lady?

Mia said she thought it was perhaps at school but didn’t know any more.

Was it inside the school or outside? Jackie asked as she poured the water into the mugs.

I don’t know, said Mia. Can I go to Mummy and Daddy now? She got up from the table.

Jackie said, Of course, you can.

Mia went into the lounge where she climbed onto her father’s lap. He hugged her tightly. She looked at her mother who was sobbing quietly. Don’t cry, Mummy, Michael will be home soon as it’s nearly bedtime. This only made Barbara cry more.

Jackie entered the lounge with four mugs of tea, a jug of milk and sugar on a tray. She handed them out.

DI Johnson was trying to reassure them that everything was being done to find Michael. He said he would leave now but would be in touch as soon as there was any news. Jackie will stay with you tonight, if that’s okay?

Simon said he was going to ring his parents. With Alfie ringing and then Mia wanting her tea, he had forgotten to ring them. He went into the kitchen to make the call. His parents lived about twenty miles away in a village called Fairford. They were horrified. They hadn’t seen the news report they said. His father offered to drive over immediately but Simon said not to. He explained that they had a family liaison officer staying with them and the search for Michael was being conducted by numerous officers. He said he would be in touch with any news. He ended the call and went into the lounge.

Barbara said, Shall I ring my parents? They lived in Spain where they had emigrated ten years ago. He father had arthritis and found the warmer climate suited him.

Let’s wait a bit, said Simon. They are so far away and will obviously worry when we tell them.

Jackie said that was probably for the best until they heard anything more. Let’s wait until Michael is found and then tell them.

Simon agreed with her.

The landline rang but Jackie said it would be best if she answered the calls that were bound to be made to the house. She took the call and it was a concerned friend of Barbara’s. During the next few hours, the phone rang numerous times, so Jackie fielded the calls on Simon and Barbara’s behalf. The school