Fathers and sons
"Spencer Jones." Natalie took a deep breath. "His own son."
"Wouldn't be the first time a parent has been involved with the death of their child." Alesha answered. The older woman nodded as the rest of the team fell silent. James couldn't understand the mentality of any parent who could even consider harming their child. He thought of young Andy - the teenager was a handful but there was nothing the could alter the way he felt about his son. The job of the parent was to protect the child; whatever they did. Anyone who thought differently was a mystery to him.
"James?" Ronnie took his glasses off.
"It's circumstantial at the moment."
"He's right." Natalie paused. "We need more than history and gut instinct. Ronnie, take Joe and talk to Michelle again. See if there is anything there. Sam." She turned to the DI. "Get a warrant. I want Liam's computer and smart phone taken apart. Same for Spencer."
"Guv."
"Matt, you and Angie find out all you can on Spencer's whereabouts and who his enemies are. Is there a connection with Mark and Spencer? Talk to Liam's friends. The kid was nineteen years old. Lads talk about more than girls. Was e in a gang? Had he been threatened?" She turned sighing heavily. "And I'll try to get the powers that be off our case." She stepped away from her team before heading into her office.
Xxxxxx
Alesha stepped out into the early Spring sunshine as she thought about the man currently in the cells. She hadn't seen him since she had left the council estate she had grown up on. Part of her wondered whether he really had anything to do with Liam's murder. She startled slightly as James approached her.
"He's lying."
"James." She fell into step beside him. "We know that. The question is why? Why lie about killing a teenage boy? I don't understand it."
"It takes all sorts." James paused. "He has a criminal record as long as your arm. He's violent and abusive. On paper he looks the right suspect."
Alesha pulled her handbag over her head as she walked next to her friend. "Exactly. And why confess? There's no forensic evidence. There's nothing to tie him to the boy."
"But he still confessed to a murder." James sighed as they reached the building where the Crown Prosecution Services was housed. "Why?"
"He's not the kind of man to do it to protect anyone else. Well, not unless he's had a personality transplant."
James smirked. It was easy to forget sometimes that Alesha didn't have the privilege of a private education or the money so many of their colleagues- himself included had. He knew he could be a snob but sometimes his friend brought him back to earth with a bump. Alesha Devlin had worked for everything she had achieved from school upwards whereas many of the CPS had been handed it on a plate. He believed it gave her a better insight into the minds of some of the people they prosecuted. This was no exception.
"You think he knows Spencer?"
"Possible."
"Your think he's lying to protect him?"
"No." Alesha pushed the door to the office open as she spoke. "I think he's lying to protect himself from Spencer." They paused noticing George was sat at Alesha's desk.
"George."
"I wondered when you two would get back." The friendly Scotsman spoke calmly. "You have anything to take before a jury yet?"
"No." Alesha shrugged off her coat. George frowned slightly as James headed straight for the kettle.
"Natalie said Ronnie had made an arrest."
"Mark Thomas is currently helping with enquiries." James explained. "He's lying. Covering for someone."
"Oh aye? Who?"
"As soon as we know; you will." James answered. Alesha pulled out her mobile phone as it began ringing. She quietly slipped into James' office as both men began discussing the case.
Xxxxxxx
Natalie placed her phone back on her desk as Ronnie looked around the door.
"Guv?"
"Ello." She looked up as Ronnie stepped into the room. She looked tense, on the verge of either screaming at someone or crying. Neither was really in character for her and Ronnie couldn't help but worry.
"Just to let you know we av the warrent to get into the computer. Joe and Sam are going over to Spencer's now. Michelle gave up Liam's computer and smartphone voluntarily."
"Good."
"Nat?"
"What?"
"Are you ok?"
"Tired that's all."
"Lou's teething. Screams like her mum did when her teeth were on the way." Ronnie shrugged. "Sorry."
"It's not your fault. Poor little thing is suffering with those teeth." Natalie rubbed her hands over her face. "I'm going to stay at mine tonight. The boys are away so."
"Ok." Ronnie felt his heart sink. She was pulling away but he didn't know why. She seemed withdrawn. He remembered the time after her dad had gone to prison. He knew it took a lot to affect her.
"Right."
"Natalie? Have I done something?"
"eh?"
"Are we ok?" He sounded worried which almost broke the floodgates she had been holding shut.
"Yes. Why wouldn't we be?" She smiled slightly as he turned towards her, his eyes bore into her. She knew he could tell when she wasn't being truthful. He nodded, stepping back as he heard the younger officers enter the office. He sighed as he stepped back into the main MIU office. She watched him walk away hoping that he'd forgive her for lying to hi although she had no idea why he should.
Xxxxx