DS Hunt leaned against the side of her desk.
‘He’s saying that she couldn’t have given you permission because she has dementia. You, therefore, had “no right to remove the effing album”.’
Jane knew she was in the wrong, but she wasn’t going to admit it. Instead, she handed him the report to be filed.
‘So, you’ve got the album, have you?’ Hunt asked.
Jane sighed. ‘Yes... all right, I know I shouldn’t have, but it was just an impulsive thing and I intended to return it — as I make very clear in my report. Due to the length of time we believe this baby has been buried, it’s very difficult for us to work out who could have been involved. Helena Lanark was unhelpful, and I think it is therefore necessary for us to use the photographic information in the album for identification purposes.’
Hunt shrugged his shoulders. ‘Yes, ma’am, but you know the boss is getting tetchy about this entire investigation. If you want my humble opinion, he’s getting ready to shelve it.’
Jane tensed. ‘He can’t do that! It’s a suspicious death and by law it has to be fully investigated. It’s obvious that someone in that family buried that baby when it was alive. I don’t care if it was ten, twenty or even thirty years ago. Added to that, I’m beginning to think that some kind of major fraud has been going on concerning Miss Lanark’s wealth.’
DS Hunt looked at her quizzically. ‘Have you any evidence to support that theory?’
Jane shrugged. ‘At the moment it’s just a gut feeling... but if there is any I’ll find it.’
‘Well, if you are right, you know Carter will probably tell you to get on to the fraud squad and let them deal with it.’
As Hunt opened the door, he had to step back for DCI Carter to enter.
‘I was just leaving, sir,’ Hunt said.
‘No, you stay,’ Carter snapped, giving Jane an icy look.
‘I’ve just had a complaint against my senior officer about removing personal items without permission. We need to sort this out immediately. The complainant wants to take it further.’
Jane stood up, her fists clenched. ‘For God’s sake! I asked if I could take the family photograph album because I felt it was of evidential value for the investigation. I really don’t understand why Mr Thorpe is creating such a fuss...’
‘Well, he is... and I’ve also had his lawyer, Arnold Hadley, bending my ear about it, and...’
Jane interrupted. ‘Sir, this is being blown out of all proportion.’
‘Be that as it may, Detective Inspector Tennison,’ Carter said coldly. ‘Hadley’s on his way, and I suggest you return their property and apologise. My patience is fast running out and I’m seriously contemplating closing this investigation.’
‘Sir, I’m totally against dismissing this case — we still don’t have any leads on the murder of the baby,’ Jane pleaded.
‘Dear God! The only person you can question is a sixty-year-old woman who’s suffering from dementia. How far is that going to get you?’
‘That’s not correct, sir. Helena Lanark’s sister Beatrice is still alive and her son, Jason Thorpe, has said that she is in good health. I will obviously return the album, but I’ll need to take copies of the photographs before handing it back.’
Carter put his hands on his hips. ‘All right, I’ll give you a couple of days after the weekend — but sort this out with the lawyer chap. If you think any further expenditure is justifiable on a thirty-year-old case, then you’re going to need a lot more than a family photograph album.’ He turned and walked out of her office before Jane could respond.
DS Hunt waved her report in his hand. ‘I notice you didn’t mention that Beatrice Thorpe lives in Australia.’
‘Oh, shut up... just go and file my report,’ she said with a half-smile.
Jane also hadn’t mentioned that the album was still at her home.
Arnold Hadley was ushered into Jane’s office later that morning. He seemed rather ill at ease but accepted Jane’s profuse apology about the photograph album. He was wearing a rather worn grey suit and his tie was skewed.
‘I am unsure why Mr Thorpe is so irate, to be honest,’ he said. ‘I think his mother must have a similar album. Perhaps he was more concerned about what Helena might have revealed verbally... although sadly I doubt that would have occurred.’
Jane leaned back in her chair, purposely not reacting to his comment about Helena’s inability to communicate. It seemed strange that with such a condition both Hadley and Thorpe continued to visit her. As a result of her silence Mr Hadley continued.
‘Mr Thorpe arranged the sale of the Lanark property,’ Hadley continued, filling the awkward silence. ‘And negotiated the subsequent purchase by the development company. Due to the collapse of the previously undisclosed tunnel, and the delays caused by the tragic discoveries, Mr Thorpe is concerned the developer may now take legal action for false representation during the sale of the property.’
Jane glanced at her notebook and frowned. If Thorpe had legitimately sold the property to a developer eighteen months ago, why was he now concerned about any legal action?
Jane leaned forward. ‘Mr Hadley, whose idea was it to convert the property into flats?’
‘Jason decided that there could be a viable income from doing so, and Miss Lanark agreed.’
‘I would appreciate it if you could give me the name of the company that did the conversions.’
‘Good heavens, it was such a long time ago. Why could that possibly be relevant now?’
‘It would be interesting to know if they were aware of the basement, and obviously the shelter too.’
Jane started writing in her notebook.
‘I’m also interested in the time frame. I’m aware that the property was left empty for many years before it was divided into flats. I also know that the basement area was never allowed to be used or rented out, and the large garden attached to the property was out of bounds.’
Hadley began to toy with the crease in his right trouser leg. ‘Yes, that is correct.’
‘I’m sorry to infer this, Mr Hadley, but it appears to me that your client could have been aware of what was subsequently found in the shelter — at least, the body of the baby.’
Hadley could not meet Jane’s eyes.
‘I cannot comment on that... this was never discussed with me.’
Jane knew she was on to something. She saw him grow tenser as she continued.
‘Then Miss Lanark agreed to sell the property, so if she had been aware of what was hidden there, that would be odd. But I know that Miss Lanark has been suffering from dementia for many years.’
Jane saw Hadley clench his fists. He kept his head bowed as he spoke.
‘Detective, Jason had power of attorney and as such it was his decision to sell the property. To be perfectly honest, I am uncertain if Miss Lanark is even aware of these transactions.’
‘But aren’t you her lawyer?’ Jane said.
Hadley looked up, unable to contain the anger in his eyes.
‘Jason Thorpe’s mother is Helena Lanark’s sister and she and Jason were financially dependent on my client for many years, so it was entirely her decision to grant him power of attorney.’
Hadley stood up. ‘I think I should leave.’ He turned, as if eager to get out of her office.
‘Mr Hadley...’ Jane said. He turned back, an almost fearful look in his eyes. ‘The family photograph album is not here at the station, but I will make sure it is delivered to your office first thing in the morning.’
He waved his hand dismissively. ‘Yes, of course... that will be fine. I think you should know that I am retiring today, but I will inform Mr Thorpe of your intention.’ He hesitated, apparently unsure of what he was about to say. ‘Perhaps I should warn you that it would be unwise to antagonise Mr Thorpe. He is... not a man to be crossed.’