Buried Secrets: The Freeman Files Series: Book 11 by Ted Tayler (highly recommended books txt) 📗

“He used a variety of names for his relationships. It might seem odd that he stuck to Rod Maidment for the two sisters, but if he was ever going to bump into someone who would know him under another name, that was it.”

“Pat Read and Rod Maidment worked on different shifts at Honda,” said Luke. “Even though Pat Read knew that someone else fathered Lucy, he wasn’t interested in finding out their name.”

“Almost there, aren’t they, Alex?” said Gus.

“Stacey Read was the only person to know a man with two names,” said Alex. “She saw Maidment at her aunt’s house one weekend, and then on over one occasion when he spoke to Ryan Lock. Ryan referred to him as his Dad, and when they met up, Stacey pumped Ryan for more information. Stacey had worked out that Ryan and Lucy had the same father, someone who called himself James Neville. Why did Auntie Vanessa call him Rod Maidment? Stacey was far too young to remember Maidment if he’d been with her mother when she was a toddler. When he reappeared years later, both Stacey and Lucy spent so much time away from home that it’s not surprising Stacey didn’t know the guy was seeing her mother. Debbie made sure the girls never learned of her affairs. Lucy didn’t mention other men in any of the interviews.”

“No wonder it came as a terrible shock that night when her mother cycled along the footpath,” said Lydia.

“I think that’s it,” said Gus. “Can you collate everything for me to take to London Road, please, Alex? I’ll ring them in a moment to get an audience with the ACC.”

“On it, guv,” said Alex.

“Another case done and dusted, guv,” said Neil.

“Gone but not forgotten, Neil,” said Gus.

He picked up the phone and called London Road.

Vera Butler answered.

“Kenneth Truelove’s PA speaking. How may I help you?”

“It’s Gus here, Vera, I was hoping to deliver him our good news in person. Is Kenneth polishing the new crown on his insignia this morning?”

“I don’t think the PCC has confirmed his appointment yet, Gus,” said Vera, “although, I can tell it’s imminent. Have you been stirring things again?”

“I don’t know what you mean, Vera,” said Gus. “I’m a mere consultant, how could I possibly influence matters of such significance?”

“Mmm, Geoff Mercer is like a dog with two tails this morning. For the past month, he’s kept everyone at arm’s length. Kassie and I worried because Geoff wasn’t eating as he usually does, no matter what she brought in to tempt him.”

Gus laughed.

“You don’t need to worry on that score. Geoff ate extremely well at our expense on Saturday afternoon. Has he mentioned his new home in the country yet?”

“Not yet,” said Vera. “In which part of the country is it? The Midlands, or closer to home?”

“That was what concerned me until Saturday afternoon, Vera,” said Gus. “Christine wants to stay local and downsize, a great relief. Geoff told us they’re moving to Clench Common. He’s staying at London Road until they hand him his DCM.”

“I heard nothing about a medal,” said Vera.

“No, a DCM,” said Gus. “Don’t Come Monday.”

“You are awful,” said Vera. “I don’t know where you get them. Anyway, I wasn’t far wrong, was I? You’re moving the pieces around the board, with a nudge here, and comment there. Did you convince Geoff to stay?”

“No, I can honestly say that was Christine. Geoff told us he had no intention of accepting the offer from West Mercia. It wouldn’t surprise me if the PCC only had to walk along the corridor from Kenneth Truelove’s office to find the next Assistant Chief Constable to fill the vacancy.”

“That’s what you’ve wanted ever since you returned to duty, Gus Freeman.”

“It’s for the best, Vera,” said Gus. “I’m sure someone else would have realised it was the most sensible option in time.”

“Kenneth has just returned from the Hub,” said Vera. “I can hear him chatting to someone on the stairs. Ah, it’s Geraldine Packenham. They must have gone there together. Let’s hope he’s found another centre of operations at London Road for her to knock into shape. If she suggests one more penny-pinching, time-saving initiative, I’ll tell her to stick it where the sun doesn’t shine.”

“Bite your tongue, Vera,” said Gus. “Ms Packenham’s a new broom. Give her a few weeks, and things will become calmer. I suppose I could give her a nudge, or pass a comment, to warn her you and Kassie are a protected species.”

“As a mere consultant?” laughed Vera.

“Exactly,” said Gus. “Geoff told me on Saturday afternoon that the CRT was not part of her remit. Has Kenneth escaped her clutches yet?”

“He’s alone in his office. I’ll buzz him, and you can fix your appointment. Maybe we’ll see you later today?”

“I hope so. Did Kassie bake more of the bara brith yesterday?”

“Rock cakes, I think, Gus. By the way, Kassie has hot gossip about Rhys Evans.”

“In that case, I’ll be there later without fail,” said Gus.

“I’m putting you through now. Bye,” said Vera.

“Freeman?” asked the Acting Chief Constable.

“The new crown on your shoulder hasn’t affected your memory, sir,” said Gus. “We wrapped up the Read case last night with the help of Gablecross. I can deliver the files to you whenever you’re free.”

“Excellent news, Freeman,” said ACC Truelove, “I have a sneaky feeling that you know this already, but Mercer isn’t abandoning ship, he’s remaining here at London Road. I misread the signs. Better not tell the PCC that, of course. The only thing I will do is drop another heavy hint Mercer is the right man to sit in this chair. My wife is waiting, needle poised, to attach the new insignia.”

“What time, sir?” asked Gus.

“No specific time yet, Freeman. Ah, you mean for our meeting. Well, get