Syn (The Merseyside Crime Series Book 2) by Malcolm Hollingdrake (best authors to read TXT) 📕

The same dim light filtered into the room through the wired glass window set high in the wall. Carlos struggled against the tape that bound him and his guttural grunts conveyed a blend of anger and fear.

‘Why do people get into cars with their killer is the question that’s going through your mind right now? Carla did. She hesitated for a moment but then got in. Jennings did. He climbed out of his and into mine. The only one who hasn’t so far is Groves. He stayed in his own. He drove himself to our rendezvous, the carpark and that saved me a job. I have one more to persuade, just one. The toughest nut to crack is yet to come but now there’s you, Carlos. Where were we? Getting into vehicles with a stranger. You climbed into a taxi with me. Yes, you very nearly didn’t but in the end you did. Carla was the same. She was uncertain but when I told her that Nicola had had been in an accident and she had directed me to her, she was quick to get in the car. For you it was the thought of sex, for Jennings too. You won’t believe me, Carlos, but I’m truly sorry for all of this. It wasn’t my fault. I didn’t start it. It was Carla and her crowd and that bully she was meeting, Bill Rodgers. They all started it and there was no justification. I promised myself that I would always seek retribution when I experienced injustice, and I have. Years ago, when I was a timid youth, I had a poster on my wall of Jean-Claude Van Damme. Although I realised I couldn’t be like him, I could, using other means and methods, seek and gain revenge. Some of those present have been labelled and dealt with. See.’

From a bench, he collected a book containing their photographs taken throughout their ordeal. ‘Look, it’s Carla, your dear Carla. She was the first, the one who goaded Bill on. She wanted him to fight with me, hurt me. I could see that. I also believed she knew who I was, and just like on the previous occasion when we’d met, she lacked all human kindness. Yes, you’ll tell me she was drunk and not like that at all. She was good to you, I know that, but she harboured a secret and she could be cruel. Did you realise that?’

Lloyd could see the confusion written large across the younger man’s face.

‘She was a whore and a cruel one at that. Look!’ He removed the book containing the photographs. ‘Here she is just before she died. You don’t think that’s her, do you? She’s hidden behind the goggles but that’s her. She was crying. It is Carla, trust me. See, here’s a photograph of her face.’

Carlos closed his eyes, refusing to look.

‘Open them and look or I’ll remove your eyelids with these.’

He picked up a pair of scissors and ran them across the back of his hand. Carlos felt the cold metal and it had the desired effect. He stared at the images and then looked back at Lloyd. Whatever he was trying to say was absorbed by the knotted cloth and came out as separate grunts.

‘Remember when we met at the Atkinson and we talked cars? You asked about the speed and why point three-three was relevant. Remember that conversation, Carlos?’

He nodded.

‘Well, I timed how long it took them to die. Just like they timed Segrave. From the moment the blade entered their flesh to their last gasp. The decimal point is critical, believe me. Amazingly, there was very little difference.’

Lloyd watched the tiny hemispheres of sweat bead the man’s forehead, even though the temperature in the garage was low. Some collected enough perspiration to begin to roll down the side of his face. He leaned across and wiped away those remaining with the edge of the scissors.

‘Fear does that to people. You’re no different.’

He stood, moved across to a cardboard box on the far side of the garage and selected a piece of Carla’s clothing.

‘Smell, Carlos. Do you recognise the scent?’

Carlos thrust his head back. Tears flooded his eyes before cascading like the sweat down his cheeks to collect in the rag wrapped round his face. He struggled again.

‘Now, where was I? Jennings, yes, he too. He could have stopped it but my belief is that he’s also frightened of Bully Bill. He was also easy to snare …’

Chapter 26

Gaskell followed Skeeter into the Interview Room recently vacated by Sutch and Rodgers, and was shown to one of the chairs. She had called ahead and April was ready for them. A laptop was positioned on the table as was a number of photographs.

‘Take a seat. May I remind you that you’ve been cautioned and that this interview will be recorded. Your rights are on that paper in front of you. I do suggest you read it, and we’ll answer any questions you might have.’

April swiftly had a quiet word with Skeeter who raised her eyebrows.

‘Mr Gaskell, my name is DI Decent and, yes, before you ask, I’m decent by name and decent by nature. Thank you for your co-operation.’

He was about to protest but then thought better of it.

‘As you’re aware, we’ve been investigating not only the death of your previous tenant but also the murder of two of her friends within the group. Another member has now gone missing. From looking through photographs taken at the parties held at the apartment they rented, we’ve found a match for the person for whom we are searching. We’ve also gone through those taken from your phone. This is the person.’

She slid the image across the table.

‘What can you tell me about him?’

Gaskell studied the photograph and then looked back at April. She could see surprise on his face as he returned his gaze to the man. ‘No, sorry. There