A Room Full of Killers Read online

  ‘Ah,’ he uttered.

  ‘Ah?’

  ‘The camera in corridor A isn’t working?’

  ‘What? Since when?’

  ‘I’ve no idea.’

  ‘Why isn’t it working? Has it been broken or what?’

  ‘I don’t know?’

  ‘Was it logged?’

  ‘There’s nothing written down anywhere. We’ll have to ask Gavin when he comes back.’

  ‘He’s on his way. He said he was driving through the night. Jesus. DCI Darke already suspects one of the staff; the camera on the accommodation block being down is not going to help at all.’

  ‘She thinks one of us killed Ryan Asher?’

  ‘She doesn’t have any evidence as such. She’s basing it on the principle that all the boys were locked in their rooms so it has to be one of the staff who are free to roam the building as they please and have a key to the rooms.’

  ‘But why would one of us kill him?’

  Kate shook her head in defeat. ‘I’ve no idea, Oliver.’

  ‘They’ll almost be there, now,’ Rory said looking at his watch.

  ‘Do you know what you sound like?’

  ‘What?’

  ‘A child who’s not been allowed to go on a school trip,’ Matilda said. ‘They’ve only gone to Norwich. It’s not like they’re crossing the channel to France.’

  ‘It would have been nice to get out of Sheffield for a day,’ he said, yawning and rubbing at his eyes – evidence of a poor night’s sleep.

  ‘You had two weeks off in July. Didn’t you go away then?’

  ‘I wish. Amelia had exams all summer.’

  Matilda turned her silver Ford Focus onto Limb Lane, and the tall trees lining both sides of the road cast a shadow over the car. Rory turned to look out of the window. As it was relatively dull outside, Matilda could see his face reflected back through the glass – he looked maudlin, dejected, and unloved. She felt sorry for him. Despite his bravado all he wanted out of life was a good career and a woman to love.

  ‘Look, Rory, Sian told me you and Amelia have split up.’

  ‘I thought she would have.’

  ‘You know Sian, we’re her extended family. She’s worried about you. So am I.’

  ‘I’m fine.’

  That’s exactly what I say so I know you’re not.

  ‘What happened between you and Amelia?’

  ‘We had a massive row. She’s studying to become a solicitor and I want a social life. It was our anniversary a couple of weeks ago. We’d been going out for four years. It was on the calendar and everything so there was no reason for her to forget. I certainly didn’t. I bought her some flowers and a necklace. Do you know what she said to me?’

  ‘What?’

  ‘She said, “What are these for?” She’d completely forgotten. We started arguing and it just escalated. She said I resented her for wanting to achieve something. I said I wanted a girlfriend who liked going out for a Chinese once in a while. By the time the row ended I just packed a bag and walked out.’

  ‘Any chance of a reconciliation?’

  ‘No,’ he said firmly. ‘Do you know, when I left and was in the car, I felt lighter, like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I think the break-up had been a long time coming.’

  ‘Where are you living now?’

  ‘I’m back at my parents until I can sort something out. It’s not ideal but I’ve nowhere else to go.’

  ‘Rory, Sian also mentioned about you getting all psychological on our little house of killers.’

  ‘I just want to understand why they did what they did.’

  ‘Are you sure? You seemed to drift off at the briefing last night.’

  ‘Of course I’m sure,’ he almost snapped. ‘Is Sian worried I’m going to turn into Hannibal Lector and become a serial killer myself?’

  ‘I don’t want you letting this case get to you. If you’re looking for something to take your mind off Amelia, then I’ve got a dead tree that needs digging up.’

  Rory laughed. It was a genuine belly laugh. He threw his head back and looked at Matilda. The sparkle was back in his eyes.

  The second set of gates to Starling House were open. After announcing their arrival over the intercom they drove straight up to the front door. The forensic team were still there, combing through the recreation room for a second day. Fortunately, they had parked out of sight.

  Entering Starling House was like entering the House of Horrors. There was a chilling atmosphere that consumed you. It had only been a prison for twenty years yet it felt like its entire history was shrouded in murder, rape, and arson. The souls of the most violent boys in history were imbedded in the walls and it seeped out to cast an eerie shadow over everyone who entered.

  Matilda took the stairs two at a time to the boardroom on the top floor. She didn’t like the atmosphere in here and longed to be back at HQ. However, it was sensible for the detectives to be based here while the interviewing process was underway. She opened the door and was surprised to find Aaron Connolly waiting for her.

  ‘Aaron, what are you doing back? How’s Katrina?’

  ‘She’s stable. They’re keeping her in hospital for a few days. She has pre-eclampsia. She also has endometriosis which is why she had problems getting pregnant in the first place. They want to make sure she’s OK before they let her home.’

  ‘You shouldn’t have come back.’

  ‘I’d have only been sat at home worrying. I’m better off at work.’

  ‘If you’re sure.’

  ‘I am.’

  ‘Good. Look, if you need to rush off or anything, don’t hesitate. Just let me know, OK?’

  ‘Will do. Thanks, boss.’

  ‘Right, everyone,’ she said, clapping her hands together and bringing everyone to order. ‘Day two of this investigation and we still have no idea who the killer of Ryan Asher is. Now, all of the inmates have been interviewed, and Sian and Rory have been going through the files on everyone here. Has it thrown anything up?’

  ‘Chillingly, a majority of them are here for killing their parents,’ Sian began.

  ‘That’s comforting,’ Aaron said which led to a smatter of laughter.

  ‘The question is: why would they want to kill a fellow inmate? What would they possibly gain by turning on one of their own?’ Matilda asked.

  ‘Do any of these boys know each other from before they came here?’ DI Brady asked.

  ‘Sian?’ Matilda nodded.

  ‘I doubt it. They’re from all over the country. We’ve got Norwich, Liverpool, Southampton, Bristol, Worthing, Nottingham. It’s highly unlikely their paths would have crossed.’

  ‘So we can rule out some kind of feud then?’

  ‘It would appear so.’

  ‘And Ryan Asher was only here a day before he was murdered. He wasn’t here long enough to gain an enemy,’ Rory said.

  ‘OK. Well, Scott and Faith are on their way to Norwich to talk to Ryan’s aunt. Fingers crossed that gives us something to work on. Until we hear back, we need to interview the staff. So, like yesterday, I want two teams. Christian, can you sort that out?’

  ‘Sure.’

  ‘Thank you. I want you to press them hard. Don’t forget, Ryan’s door was opened from the outside and only they have keys. If they all admit they were asleep at the time, at least one of them will be lying.’

  Sian’s mobile rang. She mouthed an apology to Matilda and went to the back of the room to answer it.

  ‘I was thinking,’ Rory said. ‘Whoever killed Ryan must surely have been covered in blood. It was a brutal stabbing. Where was the trail of blood from the pool table to the exit? If the killer got blood on him, where are his clothes? They’re either very well hidden so we haven’t found them yet or there’s more than one person involved and they’ve managed to cover up for each other.’

  There was a silence as they all thought about what Rory had said.

  ‘That’s what I can’t get out of my mind,’ Ma
tilda said. ‘The crime scene is too perfect. It was deliberately staged to tell us something.’

  ‘Tell us what?’

  ‘If we knew that, Rory, we wouldn’t be asking the question.’

  ‘Ma’am,’ Sian said. ‘That was forensics. They’ve got the results back from the knives they took from the kitchen. One of the carving knives had traces of blood in the gap between the handle and the blade. It matches Ryan Asher’s blood.’

  ‘So the killer thought he’d washed the knife thoroughly before putting it back,’ Matilda said. ‘At least we now have our murder weapon. Something else to ask the staff – who has access to the kitchen?’

  TWENTY-TWO

  Ryan Asher’s former home was in a quiet leafy street just outside the centre of Norwich. Semi-detached houses lined both sides of the road. They all had neatly tended front gardens, driveways, and garages. It was an archetypal English suburb.

  Scott pulled up outside number forty-two and turned off the engine. Both he and Faith looked up at the nondescript home.

  ‘Nice house,’ he commented.

  ‘Yes. It looks like a nice area to grow up in, doesn’t it? Quiet, private. I wonder what happened here to make Ryan commit such an evil crime?’

  ‘You sound like Rory. I had him on the phone last night quizzing me about what makes a child kill.’

  ‘What did you say?’

  ‘I told him I’ve no idea. My degree is in English, not psychology.’

  ‘Come on then, we’ve got a busy day ahead.’

  Scott rang the doorbell and stood back. Looking around, the majority of the houses seemed empty, as were the driveways. Most of the residents would probably be at work and school. A burglar’s paradise.

  The front door was opened by a small woman in her mid-forties. Her hair was dull and lifeless which matched her skin and her dress sense. She had the expression of a woman who had given up on life and had nobody to neaten herself up for.

  ‘Julia Palmer?’ Scott asked.

  ‘It depends who wants to know. If you’re press, you can piss off.’

  Scott and Faith both showed their ID. ‘I’m DC Andrews and this is DC Easter. We’re from South Yorkshire Police. Would it be possible for us to have a word?’

  Julia folded her arms and leaned against the doorframe. ‘South Yorkshire? Look, if this is about Brian I’m not interested. We’re divorced. Whatever he’s done it’s nothing to do with me.’

  ‘It’s about your nephew.’

  Her eyes widened briefly. ‘I don’t have a nephew.’ She began to close the door.

  ‘Ryan Asher.’ Scott held his hand firm against the door to stop Julia from closing it.

  The silence grew. Scott and Faith had all the time in the world. They could stay here forever.

  ‘I’ll give you ten minutes,’ she said, opening the door wider and standing back to let them in.

  There was no offer of tea or coffee. Julia led them into an old fashioned living room, told them to sit on a threadbare sofa and waited for them to get to the point. She had no intention of prolonging their stay.

  ‘Mrs Palmer, we’re trying to get in contact with Ryan’s parents but nobody seems to know where they are,’ Faith said.

  Julia leaned back in her chair and once again folded her arms. There was a slight smile on her cracked lips. She had the upper hand here.

  ‘That’s how they want it.’

  ‘Ryan has been involved in an incident and we need to inform his parents,’ Scott said, slightly disgruntled by Julia’s behaviour.

  ‘What’s that got to do with South Yorkshire Police?’

  ‘Ryan is at Starling House. It’s a … ’

  ‘I know exactly what Starling House is. His solicitor said he’d end up there. Look, whatever’s happened to him, if someone’s beaten him up or he’s got himself into even more trouble then that’s his problem. Lynne made it perfectly clear she wants nothing more to do with him.’

  ‘Who’s Lynne?’

  Julia crossed her legs and began playing with her knotted hair. ‘Sorry, I meant Belinda. Ryan’s mum. I’ve just been chatting to Lynne on the phone. I work with her. That’s probably why I said Lynne,’ she stumbled, lying unconvincingly.

  ‘Where were you on Monday night?’ Scott asked.

  ‘Monday night? Why?’

  ‘Just wondering.’

  ‘I was at work.’

  ‘What do you do?’

  ‘Monday, Wednesday and Thursday night I’m a bingo caller.’

  ‘Can anyone verify that?’

  ‘No. I was calling out numbers to an empty hall,’ she said, relishing her sarcastic reply. ‘What does it matter where I was on Monday night?’ Her patience was wearing thin.

  ‘It must be difficult for you living here with everyone knowing all about you,’ Faith said, changing the subject.

  ‘Not really. I’ve lived around here all my life. Everyone knows who I am.’

  ‘There haven’t been any reprisals or anything?’

  ‘Why should there be?’

  ‘During the trial your address was a two-bedroom apartment in the city centre. How come you’ve moved in here?’

  ‘I wanted a house. St— Ryan’s parents wanted to sell quickly and move so I bought it off them. I know you probably think it’s weird but it’s got nothing to do with you, or anyone else for that matter. It’s not like this is where Ryan … ’ Julia swallowed her words. It was obviously still very raw to talk about. Ryan’s grandparents were her parents too.

  ‘Do you have much contact with Belinda and Paul?’

  ‘No.’ She looked down at her feet.

  ‘That must be very hard for you.’

  ‘It is. I love my sister. I can understand them wanting a fresh start though. I would too if I was in their position.’

  ‘Why didn’t you go with them?’ Scott asked.

  The look on Julia’s face was one of sadness. She opened and closed her mouth a few times but no words came out. She had obviously wanted to go with them – a fresh start together – but maybe the topic of Julia going never came up. Or maybe Paul had put his foot down.

  ‘Do you have kids?’ Faith asked. She raised her voice and smiled as if trying to lighten the atmosphere.

  ‘No. I found out I was pregnant about a month before Ryan killed my parents. I had a miscarriage.’

  ‘I’m sorry. Did your husband mind moving here?’

  ‘Brian divorced me. Who wants to be married to the aunt of Ryan Asher? Look.’ Julia stood up and wiped away a tear before it formed. ‘I’m not going to tell you where my sister is, and I don’t care what kind of trouble Ryan has got himself involved in so you’ve had a wasted journey.’

  Scott fished a card out of his inside pocket. ‘Would you please pass on my details to your sister? Tell her there has been an incident involving Ryan and to get in contact with us.’

  He held the card out but Julia didn’t take it. He placed it carefully on the coffee table.

  ‘I’ll think about it,’ she said eventually.

  ‘Thank you. We’ll see ourselves out.’

  ‘Bloody hell, she’s full of anger, isn’t she?’ Faith said once they were back in the car.

  Scott looked out of the driver’s side window at the house and saw Julia Palmer looking back at him through the grimy living room window.

  ‘I can understand why.’

  ‘She’s not going to be able to move on while she’s still living here. Did you see the furniture? It’s so old. I bet it’s the same furniture Ryan’s parents had. I’d love to have seen upstairs – I bet Ryan’s room is exactly how he left it. Creepy.’

  ‘So, Belinda Asher has changed her name to Lynne. What did she call the husband before she called him Paul?’

  ‘Oh … It began with an S.’

  ‘St … Stephen, Stan, Stefan … ’

  ‘Stewart, Stafford … ’

  ‘Stafford? Who the hell calls themselves Stafford?’ Scott said.

  ‘I’ve got an Uncle Staf
ford, thank you very much.’

  ‘Oh. Sorry. OK, Stafford then. Maybe even Stanislav.’

  ‘OK, say, for example, they’ve changed their names to Lynne and Stanislav, how are we going to track them down with no surname and no idea where they are?’

  ‘I don’t know,’ Scott sighed. ‘They need informing of their son’s death before the press end up printing it.’

  ‘You heard Julia, they want nothing more to do with Ryan. You can’t blame them either after what he did. They obviously don’t care. Look, you’ve given her your details. I think she’ll ring her sister and pass on the information. She’s probably on the phone to them right now. If we don’t hear anything then we leave it at that, and they’ll find out when it’s in the papers. We’ve done all we can.’

  ‘Hmm.’

  ‘And what does “hmm” mean?’

  ‘Nothing. Just hmm.’

  Scott started the engine and drove away. On closer inspection there was something strange about number forty-two. There was a sense of sadness emanating from the brickwork. Maybe the dark aura of grief, loss, betrayal, anger and disbelief had remained in the house following the Asher’s departure.

  Rory was in the boardroom at Starling House on his own. Before him on the table were the case files of all the inmates, which he kept adding to. On his laptop the night before he had found more and more cases from all over the world of children committing murder. He made notes and printed off potentially useful information that could help him understand why a child would kill. The only common link he could find so far, especially among children who killed their parents, was that they were abused, either physically, sexually, or mentally, by the very people they should have been able to trust.

  One case he found online stood out more than the others. Thirteen-year-old Kyle Fisher from Scranton, Pennsylvania had been abused by his father for three years after his mother died in a car accident. The day before his fourteenth birthday, his sister, Tiffany, confided in him that she was pregnant and their father was the father of her baby. Kyle had no idea his sister was being abused too. The next morning, when Kyle should have been excited about opening birthday gifts, he sneaked into his father’s bedroom and shot him point-blank in the face, killing him instantly. During the trial, fifteen-year-old Tiffany stood in the dock, and, with her pregnancy showing, told the packed court room everything her father had done to her. Although Kyle admitted his crime, he walked away from court a free boy.