The Whitby Murders (A Yorkshire Murder Mystery) J. Ellis (distant reading TXT) 📖

Louise explained how she was there with her friends for the Goth Weekend. She gave a brief and rather garbled account of what had happened, which greatly alarmed him.

‘That’s absolutely terrible, love. Why didn’t you ring last night?’

‘I don’t know. We were at the police station for a long time and then when we got back, we were all just so shocked and just not thinking clearly. Sorry.’

‘No, don’t be. It’s an awful thing to have gone through. Look, I’ll have to go into work and talk to Tom Walker. I’m sure he’ll give me some time off. I’ll be over as soon as I can, so text me your address. Okay? Just try to stay calm and wait for me. I’ll be there in three to four hours’ time.’

‘I’ll try.’ Her voice sounded weak and forlorn with none of its normal confidence.

‘Have you got anyone with you?’

‘My friend Maggie. She’s in the same state as me but we’re looking after each other. And Ben too; he tried to save her life. It was really bad for him. She died in his arms; he was holding her head.’

‘Just try to stay calm and I’ll be there soon, I promise.’

‘Okay.’

Oldroyd pocketed his phone, picked up his pace and soon arrived at Police HQ. He went straight up to see DCS Walker. They’d known each other a long time and were on first-name terms. Walker was a moustachioed man in his sixties who didn’t really like the bureaucracy of his senior position. He looked pleased to see Oldroyd.

‘Mornin’, Jim. What can I do for thi? Sit down.’ Oldroyd sat at the other side of Walker’s desk. ‘You look worried. What’s up, lad?’ The two detectives liked to throw a bit of Yorkshire dialect into their conversations. It was one of the bonds between them.

‘Something bad’s happened, Tom, over in Whitby.’

‘Oh, you don’t mean that murder at one of those escape things, whatever they are? It was on the local news this morning. They showed some film of the town; it’s full of those crackpots dressed up as bloody vampires and stuff.’ He shook his head.

‘Yes, I do mean that, but the thing is, Tom, my daughter Louise was there; she saw it all happen. It was one of her friends who was killed. She’s very upset.’ He put a trembling hand up to his face and only then realised how agitated he was.

‘Good God!’ exclaimed Walker, looking genuinely shocked and concerned. ‘That’s bloody awful. You must be worried sick.’

‘I am, Tom, and I want to ask you a big favour.’

‘You don’t need to, lad. I know what you want. Get yourself over there now. I know how I’d feel if our Susan was involved in anything like that. And don’t worry about being away from here. It’s not that busy at the moment and we’ve plenty of people capable of covering for you.’

‘Thanks, Tom, I really appreciate it.’ He paused and took a deep breath. His heart was pounding and he felt weak. ‘There is another thing. As you can see, I’m a bit shaky myself, and I’d like to take Stephanie Johnson with me. She can drive there and also I think she’ll be useful with Louise, you know, a bit of woman to woman. I know it’s asking a lot.’

‘Not at all. You’re absolutely right. You shouldn’t go by yourself.’

‘Thanks.’ Oldroyd suddenly had to fight back tears. Whether it was because of Tom Walker’s understanding and generosity or his concern for Louise, he didn’t know.

‘Come on, then,’ said Walker kindly. ‘Just take a bit of time and then get over there. I’m sure everything will be fine.’ He paused. ‘She’s . . . She’s not a suspect surely?’ he said awkwardly.

‘No, no, Tom, but as you probably heard on that bulletin, the killer’s scarpered and he was one of her friends too, so she’s deeply involved.’

‘I see. Well, off you go.’ Oldroyd got up from the chair. ‘And, Jim’ – Walker looked at him meaningfully – ‘just remember: this force can never repay you for the wonderful work you’ve done over the years and the dedication you’ve shown. It owes you a few favours.’

Oldroyd nodded; he was beyond words. He left the office and had to fight back the tears again.

He went down to his office and saw the two young detective sergeants who normally worked with him sitting at computers in the main office. Andy Carter was a Londoner who had joined the West Riding Police from the Met. His partner Stephanie Johnson had joined the force from school and had worked with Oldroyd for many years. Andy looked up.

‘Mornin’, sir,’ he said, then he saw his boss’s strained face. ‘Are you all right?’ This prompted Steph to look round quickly.

‘Can you both come in here?’ said Oldroyd in a weak voice very unlike his normal one. He indicated his office. They both got up and followed him in, glancing at each other in alarm. They’d never seen Oldroyd this upset. He asked them to sit down, then explained what had happened.

‘Bloody hell, sir, I’m sorry about that,’ said Andy.

‘Me too,’ added Steph. ‘How’s Louise holding up?’ Steph had met Louise briefly once or twice over the years.

‘She’s struggling as you can imagine and I need to get over there. Now let me explain what’s going to happen. I’ve been to see DCS Walker and he’s given me permission, very generously, to go over there and be with Louise. He’s also allowing you, Steph, to come with me. I need some support and I think you’ll be good for her too. We’ll need to call home first to pack a few things; we may be there a few days.’

‘Of course, sir. I’d love to help.’

‘So, Andy, I want you to hold the fort here. I don’t know exactly how long it will be, but report to DCS Walker directly and put yourself about, be useful. You know what I mean. That will be a big