‘Did you speak with any of the neighbors?’ Jane asked, realizing Mrs. Matthews wouldn’t have got an answer at Helen’s flat.
‘No. I thought she might have been at work. I put a nasty note through the letter box about her responsibilities as a mother.’ The memory sent her into a fit of sobs.
Jane rubbed her arm. ‘It’s not your fault, Brenda. You weren’t to know what had happened to Helen, and she never saw the note.’
There was more that Jane wanted to ask Mrs. Matthews about her daughter, especially about how she seemed when she came to her flat last Friday, which must have been shortly before she was murdered. But she realized talking about Helen’s last known movements would simply be too upsetting. She would speak with her in more depth later. Instead, she told Mrs. Matthews that they would go to the school, see Simon and speak with Mrs. Rowlands, the headmistress. The prospect of seeing Simon seemed to calm her down, and Jane was able to help her down the stairs and into the car, before driving the short distance to the school, the dark clouds overhead making the silent journey feel even more oppressive.
Twenty minutes later, Brenda Matthews sat in numbed silence in the headmistress’ office as Jane took Mrs. Rowlands to one side and told her that Helen Matthews had also been murdered.
Mrs. Rowlands was clearly shocked, but kept her composure for Mrs. Matthews’ sake. ‘Is there no end to this madness? You do have a hard job, Sergeant Tennison. I don’t know how you cope with so much death and misery.’
‘I sometimes wonder myself, Mrs. Rowlands,’ Jane admitted. ‘But I have a job to do and that’s what keeps me going, I suppose.’
Mrs. Rowlands smiled sadly. ‘Your DCI Moran rang me this morning. He told me there would be a press release at lunchtime, naming Eileen as one of the victims. I was going to hold an assembly with the teachers, children and parents at the end of class today and inform them.’
‘Mrs. Matthews doesn’t know about Eileen yet. I couldn’t tell her earlier due to the state she was in. She’d like to see her grandson and then, if she’s up to it, I’ll take her to formally identify Helen’s body. I asked her on the way here if there was anyone who could look after Simon, but she doesn’t appear to have any other family in London. Do you have a contact number for the local social services so I can arrange—?’
‘I am happy to look after Simon,’ Mrs. Rowlands interjected. ‘If Brenda agrees, that is, and wants to view Helen’s body. He knows me, so he’ll feel safe. I can take him home, and you and Brenda can collect him later. And if they both need a room for the night then I’ve plenty of space.’
‘That’s very kind of you,’ Jane said gratefully.
‘It’s the least I can do under the circumstances. Are you going to tell Simon about his mother’s death now or later?’
Jane thought for a moment. ‘Now is probably best. I’m not sure if Mrs. Matthews is up to it, but I best ask her if she wants to.’ Jane walked over to Mrs. Matthews. ‘Would you like to tell Simon about his mother? or I can, if you want?’
Mrs. Matthews looked pale as she shook her head. ‘I’m sorry, I just can’t do it... Please could you tell him for me?’
‘Of course.’ It was what she had expected Brenda to say. But Mrs. Rowlands sensed Jane was anxious and quietly asked if she was OK.
‘Yes, it’s just a new situation for me. I’ve informed adults about the loss of a loved one many times during my career, but never a child.’
‘I can do it if you like, officer. I have had previous experience in these types of situations.’
‘Thank you. But as Brenda has asked me to, I feel I should.’
Mrs. Rowlands smiled. ‘You’ll be fine. The best way is to be caring and use words that are simple and direct. I’ll go and get Simon.’
Jane nervously rehearsed in her mind what she was going to say as she waited for Mrs. Rowlands to return with Simon. In her desire to get it right with Simon, she had forgotten about how traumatic it would be for his grandmother, so sat in the chair next to her.
‘I know you must be dreading this, Brenda, but we all need to be strong for Simon. I’m not going to tell him anything about what happened to his mum, just that she’s passed away.’
Mrs. Matthews nodded, and Jane told her about Mrs. Rowlands’ offer of a room for the night and to look after Simon if they went to the mortuary.
Just then Simon came into the room, with Mrs. Rowlands holding his hand. The small blond-haired boy looked a picture of happiness as he shouted out: ‘Nana’ with a big smile that revealed his braces. He bounded over to his grandmother and gave her a big hug. As Mrs. Matthews hugged him back she couldn’t control her emotions and started to cry.
‘Why are you crying, Nana?’ Simon asked, his smile turning to a curious frown.
Mrs. Matthews pointed a trembling finger at Jane. ‘This is Jane, Simon. She’s a police lady and wants to speak to you about Mummy.’
‘Is Mummy in trouble?’ he asked nervously, with a noticeable lisp.
Jane crouched down to his height, smiled and put her hand out. ‘Mummy’s not in trouble, Simon.’
Simon stepped back from Jane and looked at his grandma.
‘Is Mummy in trouble because of me, Nana?’ he asked, his bottom lip quivering.
Mrs. Matthews forced a smile. ‘It’s OK, Simon. Jane is a nice lady and has been very kind to Nana.’
Simon looked at Jane, who held her hand out again, and this time he took hold of it.
‘Nana’s crying because something’s happened that’s made us all sad.’ Jane paused to take a deep breath.
‘Is Mummy sad because I shouted at her?’ Simon asked as a tear rolled slowly down his cheek.
Jane squeezed his hand, struggling not to cry herself. ‘No, Simon, you’ve done nothing wrong and Mummy loves you very much. We’re sad because Mummy had an accident and has gone to heaven.’
Simon looked confused and didn’t reply. Jane wondered if he’d understood what she’d said.
After a few moments, he said, ‘Only dead people go to heaven. Is my mummy dead?’
‘Yes, Simon, and she’s with God now, who will be looking after her,’ Jane replied, her voice choking.
He looked quizzical. ‘Why did Mummy die?’
Mrs. Rowlands crouched down beside Jane. ‘Jane doesn’t know yet, Simon, but although Mummy’s gone to heaven, she will always be here in your heart.’ She gently touched his chest with her hand before continuing. ‘And Nana will look after you now, just like Mummy did.’
Simon turned and looked at Mrs. Matthews, who stepped forward and hugged her grandson, whilst struggling to control her emotions.
‘Nana has to go with Jane for a while,’ she said, squeezing Simon tightly.
A panicked look came into Simon’s eyes. ‘Where are you going, Nana?’
‘Mrs. Rowlands is going to look after you and I’ll see you later. OK, sweetheart?’
Simon clung to his grandmother. ‘I want to come with you, Nana,’ he cried.
‘We can do the viewing tomorrow,’ Jane said.
‘I’d rather do it now, thank you,’ Mrs. Matthews insisted, trying to gently detach herself from the weeping Simon, who wouldn’t let go.
Mrs. Rowlands knelt beside him. ‘You can come and see my house, Simon, and have whatever you want for your supper. Do you like ice cream?’
Simon turned, looked at Mrs. Rowlands and nodded. ‘Do you have chocolate flavor?’
Jane made a quick phone call to the mortuary before leaving the school, and told the coroner’s officer she was bringing Brenda Matthews over to identify the unknown victim, who was possibly her daughter.