Chapter 37

A knock on the door broke their concentration and everyone looked up as Paul walked in. Giving nothing away he hoped things were better than when he'd left them, and addressing Jude he handed him two sheets of paper. saying "It's Ben's writing, right down the shakiness. From the date on the police statement it was written the day after the drowning, so I'm wondering if he might have been in a similar kind of shock when he wrote this other note. If I remember rightly he'd been up in the helicopter looking for Maria most of the day. He was very controlled and silent with anyone who tried to consul him, don't know if that's any help to you."

Jude nodded and looking at Helen and Bob saw their slight smiles of relief, and matched them with a sigh and then voiced his thoughts, while handing over the copy of Ben's statement to Helen. "Right. If he was in shock from remembering everything it looks like he was still thinking. Hence that note and leaving to find you rather than waiting for you to return, but then the shooting happened. So, we can assume that's what sent him over the top for a second time, and the attack on the 26th was the first."

Helen nodded and added quietly but firmly "I need those tapes and see him as soon as possible. He needs that last trigger of Bob and Betsy to bring him out or he'll get stuck in a loop and close down again. That loop will be harder to break as it's been reinforced by the other near misses he's had. Who's he with at the moment?"

Jude looked back to Paul who was looking very worried and reassured him. "The gunshots weren't aimed at Ben but some birds in a wood nearby … just a case of unfortunate timing. Find Patrick and Charles tell them the note is authentic and see what they can do. I've no doubt AJ will allow the Corp's jet or helicopter to be used if need be, but keep the reason private, Charles will know how to put it to AJ. I'd rather keep Meg out of it for now, but if we need her consent I'll get it after lunch."

After getting a nod from Paul, Jude glanced at the second sheet of paper and smiled then continued. "Tell the other detective its okay he can have the IT officer etc for half an hour, then we want both back. Remind the Desk Sergeant Annie gets the same story as everyone else, and if she continues to ring he can have her up for harassment. But first he's to tell her I'll be in contact later this afternoon if possible but it's more likely I'll see her tea time as the murder case is keeping me very busy. Any news on the fireworks?"

Paul smiled, nodded and getting his mind on transmit answered. "I'm waiting for an expert to get back to me. He's based in the UK. I've given him the sequence of colours etc and scanned a couple of photos; he'll work out chemical combination and size and the suppliers. We may be lucky and find it's a small company and the signature is in the colour combination. I've told him they were set off in this State but nothing else. The report from Castletown was sketchy but they sounded similar and it was quiet there last night."

Jude knowing it would be a long job, most probably a fruitless but would cross a couple boxes off his list, decided his plan of action saying. "That's fine. I think it's best if we all meet in the canteen for a working lunch so we can talk in peace, make sure that Betsy is comfortable with that." Jude looked over at Helen for confirmation, seeing her nod and realising time was passing added. "Say about half an hour."

"Okay, something like a choice of sandwiches for everyone then." Paul asked as he glanced round the group.

They all nodded and Paul left feeling uneasy about the new bit he'd picked up, but knew everything would be explained later, and reassured himself his friend was safe now.

As the door closed behind Paul Bob asked with rising curiosity "What's the worry about the fireworks?"

Jude handed Helen the tapes, a machine and headset, then turned to Bob to answer his question knowing full well he hadn't answered Helen's, he'd do that later. "You've read the bit about firework and firecrackers and Ben's reaction."

Bob silently nodded letting Jude continue. "Well, what I left out was the background to it, didn't think it was significant as we had a firework and firecrackers the night before. Last night we had fireworks and no firecrackers. Castletown had fireworks and a few firecrackers the night before last, and last night they were silent. We now know Ben doesn't like bangs, and there seems to be a possible link between the towns ... and I don't like coincidences though I do know they exist and I could be paranoid."

He ignored their brief smiles as he carried on. "Yesterday afternoon onwards people who read a certain free paper know Ben is in town, and has a bad reaction to loud bangs. So, our attacker and or jailer might have read it and thought it was a good way out of a sticky situation without getting caught."

Helen who had been half listening as she read Ben's statement of the drowning, quickly glanced up at her brother before going back to it, knowing her look would be enough to transmit her thoughts.

Getting used to those brother sister silent questions enough to read them, Jude got in before Bob could clarify or ask by saying. "It's the fireworks rather than the firecrackers. The firecrackers have been out on the streets awhile before Ben arrived in town, and we were gently clamping down on them. If we went in heavy handed they could have been hidden under beds, or cupboards for later and that's the last thing we wanted. They are not stable and we concentrated harder when kids got hurt and then we knew about Ben. We got a lot more off the streets and looked forward to a quiet night, I also had extra officers out and some with cameras just in case some stupid adult was egging kids on. We had a 'Simple Simon' challenge in a chat room."

At Bob's puzzled look he explained in more detail. "We didn't know that till we had pulled some kids in and they answered questions. On checking "Simple Simon" covered his tracks expertly so he or she is still free. It started just after school closed, as you can guess kids communication was via computer and phones so word got round quickly. He/she challenged the kids egos, said little bangs didn't hurt anyone if lit right and it was against their free will etc, etc to be stopped, suggested a cover story of homework sleepovers, and got them into groups giving them certain sites and times.

The parents accepted cover stories even delivered the kids to selected homes. Yes the kids even did their homework and in some cases made sure they were on the ground floor so as not to disturb sleeping parents, and did it in rota so if checked missing kids were not noticed. A firework went off first, then the firecrackers all across town in intervals so we were stretched, but we got some so found out about Simple Simon and how organised it was. The firework could have been the defiant finger to the authority or it could have been in case the kids didn't come through with their part. It was not a small one it had multiple bangs in it … and it was damn lucky Antonio was there to help Ben.

Last night I had officers out with cameras so we could really get the kids, but the kids weren't on the street nor were the firecrackers. But about 2 am we had four fireworks set off at short intervals, all multiple bangs similar to the night before. As you can imagine it was startling for everyone and animals. This would have sent Ben right over the edge if he'd been at the Mission, luckily he wasn't in town last night, and that is the one that set my paranoia off."

Ignoring Helen's silent plea of where and why, Jude carried on knowing this would not go outside the room. "Between these walls, I must admit I had wondered about a jealous husband taking advantage of the situation. I mean the firecrackers of the previous night not the lone firework or last night's display. Ricardo recognised the description of a car seen in the area of the Mission the first night and asked Rodney, Maria's husband about it before making anything official. Rodney apparently didn't know anything about the firecrackers or that the Mission was so close. But he did say he saw torch lights in a field nearby, all very possible. But, it could also have been him and the police just saw his getaway and he's covering his tracks. Their main job was to stop the firecrackers and catching anyone was a bonus."

Though he guessed Bob asked "Why even suspect him?"

Jude smiled and gave a short laugh."Suspect is too strong a word really. It's me being a suspicious cop thinking of a second husband's need to bring bread home to his wife. Maria's history and settlement from Ben will influence their lives no matter what Rodney makes of his life. In Seattle I've no doubt they managed to put it in the background, it is after all his territory and their new life but it's still there in the shadows.

There is the fact they came back to cash an investment Ben made for Maria, and to have a quiet family reunion to mend broken bridges. But, suddenly the press are around and the past is being raked over and the hurt is back in their faces, and he wants to hit back on Maria's behalf or just on his own behalf to prove he's her man.

He can't hurt Derek, he's dead and died without showing remorse for his sins. So, the next best person would be an identical twin, they are meant to be closer than siblings no matter how they feel towards each other. Ben being so vulnerablemight not have come into his thoughts; it was a spur of the moment thing. … Saw kids … bought firecrackers and let them off behind the Mission and scooted. But was spotted and challenged in front of his wife, so thought up a cover story.

What I do know is Rodney didn't have anything to do with last night's effort as he was with people all evening and night."

"Is their marriage secure?"

Jude looked from Bob who'd asked it, to Antonio who nodded and took over by adding. "Yes as far as we know, but that's not much as I've only seen them once on this visit. They met in the crisis of Christmas Day, he saw her in a distressed state, listened to her and brought her back to Ocean Drive and stayed with her. I'm pretty sure without his support she would not have made it through those first days. I'm sorry to say she could not face us as a family for a while. … She found it easier with a stranger and later a different city."

He paused then carried on with a heart felt sigh. "To be honest I can't blame her, there were too many people willing to point fingers and there was the humiliation of being deceived by Derek, as well blank memories to deal with. We as a family were also in chaos at the time, though we did try and help her. The court approved the idea of her moving and have treatment in Seattle and gave her a caution and fine. We were surprised she went to Seattle, but it's not near Franklin Street and she was determined to go with Rodney who's sold up and was going to a new job in Seattle. He reassured us he loved her and was in the relationship for life.

Of course, the move was too quick for some people's liking. Maria also insisted we accept her choices and Ricardo wouldn't pull his big brother/police act and check Rodney out, ever. We all agreed knowing we didn't want to lose her completely, she was hurting. She didn't change her mobile number so I kept trying ... wanted her to know her bridges weren't burnt. Usually they went to voice mail and I'd get called back eventually, she called Carmen, her mother once but she was never very good on the phone, and she never rang Ricardo. My last call over a month ago hadn't been returned till she told me she was here and wanted to see me.

From those short calls I know it's not been easy for them, and Rodney has been the settling influence for her. From what I've seen she appears happy and strong enough to think about starting a family and face her past here. So, yes I think it's secure." Antonio hesitated not wanting to break a confidence.

Jude knowing the brother and sister needed the wider picture carried on for him. "I know you will understand when I say again this is just between us, it's been told to me in confidence. It doesn't have anything to do with Maria's relationship with Ben, but coming on top of what's going on at the moment it could have put pressure on Rodney to want to hit out or prove to Maria he is the man. Maria's been told that her missing years will never be remembered and Tess is remaining silent about them. During a recent session in Seattle Maria remembered something she'd buried … hadn't told her family. It was a relationship with another man in another town, the relationship was terminated and she came and met Ben and married him, so he doesn't know and doesn't need to. Her doctors advised her to tell her family and put that ghost to rest, and it would help her make her new life and possibly start a family. She has done that and her family have given her their full support and understanding. The man concern died a while ago so it can all be put behind her."

Adding things Helen butted in gently. "It was not a one nightstand so Rodney had two past relationships to contend with. And Ben's would always be there, via the divorce commitment and would be stronger at the moment because they are here and she's naturally concerned about him. Yes it could push him to hit out and now he's done it move on … even feel guilty and if Maria's guessed or he's told her, she could it see as a sign of his love for her. She's cop's sister so knows the implications and will most likely support him in doing the right thing if necessary, as in talking to her brother first before anything official. They support each other rather than break apart … I think for their sakes wait and see how Ben is… after all he came through that experience."

That had been his line of thinking so Jude nodded and carried on. "At present the couple seem to have avoided the press but I don't think that will last, someone will have recognised her and see the opportunity of an article. She's not going to shut herself up in the house, she knows we can offer protection but that can be counted against her, so she might leave earlier than they planned. Obviously Ben and Maria will not get together again, but Maria has said she will see Ben if he requests it. To be honest I think its best if they don't meet now, if needs be she can be flown in later. I also respect Maria's request for privacy regarding Rodney's past and their life in Seattle, but if I feel there is a very strong reason I will investigate him."

Jude saw from the slight nod from Antonio and knew he accepted his reasons for telling the others, and carried on. "Back to coincidences or patterns, as you've read, Derek burnt down the warehouse he kept Ben in for the first kidnapping. Franklin Street, Seattle the second place Ben was kept was also burnt down by a professional. Very high heat from basement upwards most likely on a timer as we reckon Ben must have been on his way back here when it started. As far as we know Ben slept the whole journey, as you know from the statement Maria woke him in the basement in Southern Avenue so it was a straight forward one man drive and dump job.

What is not in that report, is by a fluke the Seattle police got a partial print from the scene, it's not been identified and it's not enough to go to court. But it's a pointer to someone being there and will be checked frequently against any similar crimes etc, and hopefully one day it will give us a lead. We've all agreed the jailer is intelligent and resourceful, he's dealt with medicating Ben and destroying evidence, so he'd knew the risks and threats then, and he knows there could be one now, hence last night's fireworks."

Bob nodded and added thoughtfully. "I agree with sis, Rodney could have done the firecrackers and we should leave that for now. There is of course the slimmest of chances that Ben met someone say late Christmas day and sat on the beach and talked, like he's never talked before, and they were also intelligent and took advantage of the whole situation beat him up, took money etc etc… If it had been a stranger, they would have faced a very very angry man who by the looks of things knew how to handle himself, and would have hit out and hard. So, they in turn must have known how to handle themselves and driven off with car etc, and the fireworks are just a coincidence.

But I still go for the unfortunate coincidences that they both went south and met late 25th or very early 26th. Whichever it was, the jailer knew the shock of him just saying "Hi Ben, guess who?" would give him that split second edge he would need. Perhaps that's why he had the whip with him and they fought, he won and he assumed the tide would come in and do the rest. Maybe the shock of actually killing his victim might have made him run, without considering the pros and cons of leaving Ben there on the beach. He might have just confronted Ben thinking words and being there would make him hand over money and instead they fought and Ben lost. Thinking about cars perhaps he got rid of his Seattle car in Castletown, and then took Ben's guessing no one would look for it or him, and that would mean a cool head was involved after the rush of action.

The e-mails show knowledge of Ben's character, and the last one is really neat as it gives a reasonable excuse for not phoning as well as expectation of coming home. A twist of the knife as the crunch date would come and go. I think that would have been the last one. Then he'd let everything take its natural course. Reckon the trail would be cold and dead so make it impossible to get anywhere in finding Ben. No body no death, just broken promises.

He would need to let go sometime, and I expect he would have either started up a planned new life or gone back to whoever he was before the kidnapping took place. He and his partner if he has one would have worked the money he gained into his life slowly and quietly. He's most probably been keeping an eye on the papers through the internet so he would have warning if the emails hit the wrong note or the body had been found and traced.

Now as its out in the press he'll know Ben is back, so he'll be making plans for a quiet getaway if necessary but will stay put with his ears and eyes open till then, you don't want to move unless you have too. It's easier to move one person quickly and quietly than two or more, he could of course have a getaway planned from the very beginning, which means they most probably live isolated lives, something they can drop out of easily."

Bob paused for a moment, then with a slight smile added. "I'd be surprised if he's doing the fireworks, there would be a risk of being caught and you've got to get hold of them. If there were several, a timing device perhaps. But I wouldn't take that as gospel, he could have been passing through and taken advantage of the situation, might even stop and watch while the partner packs up for him, and then they'll meet up and move on. So I'd guard Ben against an invisible enemy but don't crowd him because he'll run to protect everyone."

Jude nodded knowing that was virtually impossible, but he could put a couple more officers in if Ben was out and about the garden centre, he'd check that later.

Bob glanced down at the paper he was going to study before the interruption and saw a line of figures, and then looked back at Jude and Antonio exclaiming in disbelief. "You're kidding me!" he gave his sister a quick glance surprised she hadn't said anything, and got nothing from her and muttered. "Hell, he should have had an army around him, lived in a huge house in the hills and been safe!" He'd been thinking a few million, but there was a five and an awful lot of noughts after it, and the word 'approximate' at the end, and knew death was the only thing that would have stopped Derek.

Antonio gave half a smile at the exclamation, and explained the one thing that never changed about Ben. "No. A big house with walls and guards would have been the last place you would have found him. He built a nice house on an ordinary plot amongst other houses that faces onto the public beach. It was his wedding present for Maria; there are photos on the next page. Otherwise he would have carried on living in the old mansion, which had been converted into small flats. He didn't own it; he paid rent like everyone else, only a few people knew he had a fortune. His was on the ground floor with the garden, and the landlord had gardeners to do the work. I always had the suspicion if it came up for development when he was there he would have bought it to preserve it. He enjoys being around people as an ordinary person, blending in with them and is definitely not one of the hug and backslapping brigade, though he tolerates them if need be.

While his money was working quietly and rolling over into other projects and building up, he decided he needed something to keep himself occupied so he started the nightclub, added a café which turned into the internet café when the internet came on the scene, and latterly a working partnership in Liberty Corp."

Bob couldn't help smiling at the causal way Antonio said it, and added quietly. "And had time for friends, Maria then Meg as well … when did the lad sleep. … No second thoughts don't answer that."

Because of the half smile it got, Bob looked at Antonio knowing the man was taking everything that had happened to his friend to heart, and said quietly. "Ben may be quiet but he has a strong character core, he's managed to protect it all the way through this and found his way home. You've not failed him now or in the past. He's come out to you because he trusts you and feels safe with you and we will not fail him either. Through Betsy we've a unique way to help him, but it might take time with a few bumps along the way but we will get there."

Antonio nodded feeling the mixture of guilt and 'what ifs' that had been stirred by Bob and Helen's statements settle. He knew Bob wouldn't lie about this and he could trust his words, they'd come from experience through his work with kidnapped victims. And deep down he knew he couldn't do anything else other than what he was at the moment, so he settled back to finish reading the notes.

From then on any comments needed were passed quietly, as no one wanted to disturb Helen who'd closed her eyes as she listened to the tapes, hearing her stranger's voice for the first time.