Web of Lies by Sally Rigby (classic novels for teens txt) 📗

‘This is what I can’t quite sort out in my mind. If anything, it was the opposite. She wanted to talk in private and lowered her voice when I mentioned other investors being blackmailed. If she was in cahoots with Dunkley, then why talk in hushed whispers? It doesn’t make sense.’

‘I know I’ve mentioned this before, but what if the attack on you was nothing to do with Andrea being blackmailed? I’m not saying that Donald wasn’t murdered, but could we be looking at two separate things and the murder and the attack aren’t connected.’

‘What other reason can you think of for me being beaten?’

‘Your work at the Met. Could Dunkley have been involved in something illegal that was linked to you in some way, and when he saw us during our interview with Andrea, he believed he’d been recognised?’

‘Until we hear back from Walker, we won’t know, but I doubt it because, as I keep on saying, that work is over for me.’

‘Would he know that?’ Birdie persisted. ‘He could have thought you questioning Andrea was a ploy we’d pulled off in order to see him.’

‘Okay, I accept that it could be possible. Someone from my past could’ve seen me at the funeral, if I’d been caught in any of the photos, but I’m still of the opinion that it’s less likely than our investigation into Donald. But that doesn’t mean we won’t keep the other possibility on the back burner.’

‘Good. Because we shouldn’t narrow our focus until such time as we’re convinced one way or the other.’

‘Agreed. But, assuming for the moment that they are linked, I think that if Donald was murdered and it was to do with the blackmail then it’s most likely my attacker was also the murderer. In which case we—’ His phone rang. ‘It’s Walker.’ He answered. ‘Whitney, you have something for me already?’

‘And hello to you, too. Yes. Ellie has come up trumps. I’ll pass you over to her.’

‘Hello, guv,’ Ellie said.

‘Seb will do fine, I’m no longer in the force. How are you, Ellie?’

‘Very well, thanks. You wanted more information about Aaron Dunkley. Well, there’s nothing to be found regarding anyone of that name and address, other than minor infractions.’

‘I’m sensing a but …’ He gave a nod in Birdie’s direction.

‘You’re right. He—’

‘Wait a moment, Ellie. I’m going to put you on speaker so my colleague here can listen.’ He rested the phone on the kitchen table. ‘Fire away.’

‘Aaron Dunkley legally changed his name four years ago. He was previously known as Ross Burns and he comes from Coventry. He has a long record sheet under that name and was in prison three times for grievous bodily harm. He was married and several times was accused of domestic violence, but his wife wouldn’t press charges, so it never got any further.’

‘Do you have her details by any chance?’

‘Yes, her name is Katy Burns, formerly Peters before she married him. She lives in a flat in Windsor Street, Coventry.’

‘Thanks, Ellie. I knew you’d be able to help. Thank the DCI also, for allowing us to borrow you.’

‘It’s my pleasure. Let me know if I can help further.’

‘I will do, but not without running it by the DCI first.’

He ended the call.

‘The girl’s a genius,’ Birdie said.

‘The best I’ve come across. And she’s only your age, maybe a little younger, I’m not sure.’

‘I’m impressed. We might have got there eventually, but to find all that out in such a short space of time, is ridiculous. So, what’s our plan?’

‘I’m going to see Dunkley’s ex-wife in Coventry.’

Chapter 36

20 May

‘What do you mean you’re going to see her,’ Birdie said. ‘I’m coming, too.’ Why was he continually trying to exclude her? Did he want her off the investigation all together?

‘You’re on duty.’

‘That doesn’t matter. I can take your statement on the way in the car. I’ll record it and then transcribe it later.’

‘I don’t want to get you in trouble. I’m happy to go see Katy Burns on my own.’

‘I’m meant to be assisting with this case, and if I go back I’ll be stuck in the office because Sarge hasn’t given me anything else as he thinks I’m working on the mugging.’

‘Has he asked you how it’s going?’

‘I told him I’ve still got to take your statement, because you weren’t up to it before now, and that we’re continuing to look at photos. He seems to have left me to my own devices for some reason, which I’m pleased about.’

‘Okay, you can come with me.’

‘Shall I drive?’ It wouldn’t be a hardship, she’d enjoyed her time behind the wheel, and it wasn’t like she’d get another opportunity to drive such an awesome car once he’d gone back to London.

‘Not necessary, I’m able to drive now.’

He was looking a lot better than he had, but there were still purple and yellow bruises on his face which didn’t look good. ‘Want some more make-up? I could put a bit more concealer on the bruises?’

‘No thanks. I got it all over the pillowcases when you plastered me in it before. They were an awful mess, and are currently soaking in the sink.’

‘That’s very domesticated of you.’ She arched an eyebrow. ‘But first of all, you weren’t plastered in it, it was a light covering to hide the state of your face, which it did. And second of all, you were meant to wash it off before going to bed. I can’t do everything for you.’ She gave an exasperated sigh.

‘Point taken. I didn’t think about it as I was too tired. It’s not like I’m used to wearing make-up on a regular basis.’

‘You’ll know for next time. Shall we bring Elsa with us? She might like the drive.’

‘No, she’ll be fine left here. I’ll let her out before we go and give her a treat. She’ll most likely sleep until we get back.’

‘How did you manage with her when you were at work all day or if you were away on a case?’

‘I have