Page 68 of The Truth Will Out
Two hours later,with everyone lending a hand, they found the woman in the photo was Michele Turner. Liam did some extra digging and discovered yet another link to Rhys in the woman’s background.
“I’ve got her working at a private care home on the outskirts of Workington. I found another couple of photos, and I’m sorry to have to tell you, boss, that Turner and Rhys were at the same facility. It’s possible that he either worked or volunteered there during his summer break from uni.”
“Crap, and he’s not around to either confirm or deny knowing her,” Sam said.
“There would be no point, not if we have the proof,” Bob pointed out.
The restof the day was spent trying to find Michele Turner. She wasn’t entered on the electoral register. This led Sam to believe that she could now be living under yet another assumed name. Sam dismissed the team at six that evening. Everyone was down, feeling the frustration of the investigation. She had decided against asking a member of the team to remain on duty to cover another few hours. What was the point? Apart from seeing the person who she presumed was the killer in the car park, she’d had no further contact with them. Had the figure looked like a woman? She wasn’t sure about that either.
Sam drove home. She parked outside her property as a message came through.
You’re lookingin the wrong direction, Inspector Cobbs. The truth doesn’t always wear a mask, or maybe it does!
What the fuckis that supposed to mean? Does it, or doesn’t it? Is the killer purposely trying to confuse me?
She didn’t react openly to the message because she spotted Doreen watching her from the lounge window. Sam smiled, and her neighbour opened the door to let her in. Tilly was there, jumping up and wanting a cuddle.
“Get down, monkey. You know you’re not supposed to jump up.”
“Aww… she’s missed you. She’s been crying today, Sam. I tried to hug her, to comfort her, but she wouldn’t have it.”
“I’m sorry if she’s been a nuisance. I’ll take her for a longer walk than usual and pick up a takeaway on the way back; it’ll save me from burning another dinner tonight.”
“Don’t spend out. I can knock you up an omelette; it’s no trouble.”
Sam smiled. “I had that as burnt offerings last night. It was so bad, I think it’s turned me off them for life, but thanks for the offer. Do you fancy fish and chips, or have you already eaten?”
“I have, although that does sound tempting. Maybe I’ll have a small portion. Will they do that for me?”
“I’m sure they get asked all the time. I’ll see what I can do. It’ll be another hour or so.”
“Let me get you some money.”
Sam raised her hand. “No, this is on me, to make up for this little one being a pain in the backside.”
“It’s not necessary. I take it there’s no news about Rhys?”
“Nothing. It’s so disappointing. I’m clinging on to the fact that his body hasn’t shown up yet.”
“I don’t blame you. It’s a definite positive.”
Sam fastened Tilly’s harness and headed towards the park. They circled the park for nearly an hour. It did Sam the world of good, and Tilly seemed happy enough with her longer walk as well. She stopped off at the chippy and placed the order from the doorway rather than take Tilly inside. The girl serving came to collect the money from her.
She rushed home and ate her dinner with Doreen. It was good for both of them to have some company at that time of the day. They chatted about this, that and the other for the next two hours until Sam started yawning.
“I’m sorry, I’d better go home now. It’s been lovely spending time with you, Doreen.”
“It has, sweetheart. Sleep well, Sam. I’m always here, remember that. I’ll see you in the morning when you drop the little one off. Come here, Tilly.” The pup walked sideways towards Doreen and allowed her to pet her head. “Oh my, what’s happening with Casper? I should have asked this morning, but I wasn’t fully awake when you dropped her off.”
“I rang Brenda earlier. She loves taking care of Casper and has agreed to keep him with her until the situation with Rhys is resolved.”
“Let’s hope that’s soon, Sam. Maybe that’s why Tilly was unsettled today, because she misses Casper as well as Rhys.”
Sam nodded. “You could be right. I never gave it a second thought. I’ll give her a belly full of treats before we go to bed.”
The following morning,the weather was dreary and miserable, just like her mood. She drove into work, her thoughts heavy with Renshaw and the growing web of deceit surrounding this investigation.
Bob was waiting for her in the reception area.
